The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Julian Leow has confirmed that three Catholic churches in Kuala Lumpur will open their doors to Bersih 4 participants who wish to seek sanctuary.

"It is in this great spirit of compassion that the Catholic Church has decided to allow St John's Cathedral in Bukit Nanas, St Anthony's Church in Pudu and Fatima Church in Brickfields to be places of sanctuary during Bersih 4," said Leow in a press release.

Leow also clarified that the Catholic Church was not aligned to any political organisation and that the church has been praying for the country.

Previously, Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said that three churches would be open to rally participants who need to seek refuge.

This had led to fears that action would be taken against the three churches.

The Bersih 4 rally will kick off at 2pm on Saturday and last 34 hours.

Apart from urging that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak resign over the 1MDB controversy, rally organisers said they are also demanding wide ranging institutional reforms to stem corruption.