With less 24 hours to go to the Bersih 2.0 rally, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government is leaving it to the police to decide on how to deal with demonstrators.

Speaking at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the National Council of Professors’ Congress (MPN) at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur today, the deputy premier refused to elaborate on the seriousness of tomorrow’s crackdown or if an emergency would be required.

“I leave it to the IGP (inspector-general of police) to decide what are the appropriate actions that should be taken, I don’t want to assume,” he said.

The police have mobilised in full force before tomorrow's rally, with a large number camping at Universiti Malaya since Wednesday.

Pre-rally preparations mount

Perkasa has announced that it is aborting its counter-rally, while Umno Youth is still pressing on and marching to Stadium Merdeka tomorrow.

Yesterday, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) announced temporary routes for public buses in anticipation of a police lockdown of Kuala Lumpur.

In another preemptive move, police announced yesterday a restriction order on 91 individuals from Bersih 2.0, Perkasa and UMNO Youth.

The government has refused to allow Bersih 2.0 to hold its rally in any stadium within the vicinity of KL, however the coalition is determined to gather at Stadium Merdeka.

Without a location secured, demonstrators will likely be out on the streets, setting the stage for a potential showdown with the police.