The Stream

Malaysian anti-government demonstrators vow to defy government ban on protest shirts

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections encouraged protesters to carry on wearing #Bersih4 t-shirts ahead of Saturday’s rally.

The Malaysian Home Ministry clamped down on promotion of a planned anti-government rally on Saturday, banning clothing and written materials, as well as blocking websites linked to the protests. 

The “Bersih 4” rally planned for August 29 will be the fourth rally since 2007 by The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, commonly referred to as Bersih. The Malaysian Home Minister issued a directive banning “Any yellow coloured clothing and which contains the words ‘Bersih 4′” and “any other printed material and pamphlet which leads to Bersih 4 rally”. 

In response, Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah told supporters to “carry on wearing your #Bersih4 t-shirts tomorrow,” unless they are “anxious”. She also suggested protesters skirt the wording of the directive by adding a point zero onto their shirts, “if you want to be cheeky”. 

In the week leading up to the rally, The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has blocked access to sites promoting the demonstrations. The chief of the Armed Forces has also warned the military will intervene if a state of emergency is declared. 

Online, Bersih 4 supporters reacted to the bans with resolve to continue with the rally, using #Bersih4.