We do not need private venues to protest - we want people to hear us... see us - we want the right to express our views to everyone ...

Why do people come out along streets and public areas to protest....

Because the object of a peaceful protest is to communicate a viewpoint/opinion/position to others - those who have yet to take a position and those who hold a contrary viewpoint...

Hence, nobody wants to hold a protest in a hall ...or a Stadium...It is just like asking someone to go alone into the bathroom and express yourself...

Freedom of expression...freedom of opinion... freedom of assembly is all about communicating a viewpoint to others...and also a show of the growing numbers of persons that support a particular position...

Protestor reach out to the by-standers to join in ...to express support --- "Honk Your Horns"...Flash Your Light...Join in the chanting of slogans..."

Thus, Najib's proposal is absurd - he just does not understand the meaning of freedom of expression, freedom of opinion,freedom of assembly and protest...

Well, if you are unhappy with these peaceful assemblies of protest - then provide alternatives - like licenses for radio stations, television stations, permits for magazines/newspapers, more space for alternative voices/opinions in the media, etc.... Proposing venues where people can protest in private is really absurd.... (unless maybe if you give live TV coverage...mmmm)

 The government is prepared to provide suitable venues like stadiums for the people to hold peaceful gatherings instead of parading in the streets and incoveniencing others, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"We can provide them stadiums where they can shout themselves hoarse till dawn, but don’t cause disturbances in the streets," said Najib in commenting on the illegal assemblies organised in the federal capital yesterday. - New Straits Times, 2/8/2009,Govt willing to give venues for peaceful rallies