Prime Miniser Najib Abdul Razak may not be the one meeting the leaders of the Bersih 2.0 coalition to discuss their rally in a stadium, as there are others who can serve as representative of the government.

NONE “I didn’t say I will meet Bersih. Yesterday I said the government will meet (them). The government doesn’t mean me, personally,” he told a press conference in Klang this afternoon.

He was asked whether the leaders of the coalition for clean and fair elections would meet with him.

Najib also said he had yet to recieve a request from Bersih leaders to meet him.

The prime minister said yesterday that he understood that “Bersih wants to have a meeting with the government on having the rally in a stadium (and) we are ready to meet them."

Asked about the Bersih 2.0 coalition’s decision to hold its rally in Stadium Merdeka, Najib said the authorities, particularly the police, would act according to the requirements of security and safety.

While those responsible would look into the security requirements to be fulfilled before such events are held, Najib said permission would only be given to organisations that are registered.

"Bersih is illegal. It has never been registered," he added. 

Scheme for Chinese female entrepreneurs

He was at the Klang Hokkien Association to launch a RM30 million microfinancing scheme meant for Chinese female entrepreneurs.

In his speech, Najib also mentioned that it is better for people to take up the loan and work on their business ideas rather than taking part in street demonstrations.

“(The scheme) is definitely a worthwhile effort by the government, rather than being busy with meaningless street demonstrations,” he said.

The scheme provides a loan of between RM5,000 to RM10,000, with an interest rate of five percent per annum and payable within a period of three years to Chinese women from all ages.

Mooted by the Federation of Malaysian Lim Associations, it also requires no collateral except a relative guarantor, and the applicant does not need to show proof of income.

The application, however, must be recommended by a Chinese guild or association.

The successful applicant will repay the loan through Hong Leong Bank.

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