Bersih 2.0 – Understanding the 8 Demands

Assalamualaikum WBT,

I’ve been following the most talked event of the year through the media especially Facebook with different links shared by friends. How fascinating are the comments made by people about the rally and especially relating the event to the organizer, the notorious Ambiga who apparently was responsible for the Interfaith Commission (IFC) demands years back.

It’s like hating all of the government policies, 1Malaysia thing, himpunan 1 juta belia etc simply because the Prime Minister happens to be the husband of the co-organisers of Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) who clearly insulted Islam too?  (I know it’s not comparable but you get what I mean?)

Leaders of the NGO’s, Muftis, ministers from both the government as well as oppositions made loads of statements which some were rather amusing. Then people like me started to ‘retweet’ or share in facebook to convince others to agree with our stands.

Well that’s completely normal when people have different thoughts and opinions. And this is when ‘menguruskan perbezaan pendapat’ comes to place. Now you see that your brother posted something against Bersih, will you attempt to cincang the air now? Menguruskan perbezaan pendapat is how we bring forward valid arguments towards each other and keeping the relationship going. Jangan kera dihutan disusukan, anak di rumah laki yang jaga. hehe

Coming back to Bersih, seriously, how many of us actually know or understand the demands of the rally and why it is worth the hassle after negotiations had gone to no avail?

Well ladies and gentlemen, I would like to bring you to understanding what I believe is worth fighting for. I copied this from the official Bersih website.

1. Clean the electoral roll

The electoral roll is marred with irregularities such as deceased persons and multiple persons registered under a single address or non-existent addresses. The electoral roll must be revised and updated to wipe out these ‘phantom voters’. The rakyat have a right to an electoral roll that is an accurate reflection of the voting population.

In the longer term, BERSIH 2.0 also calls for the EC to implement an automated voter registration system upon eligibility to reduce irregularities.

2. Reform postal ballot

The current postal ballot system must be reformed to ensure that all citizens of Malaysia are able to exercise their right to vote. Postal ballot should not only be open for all Malaysian citizens living abroad, but also for those within the country who cannot be physically present in their voting constituency on polling day. Police, military and civil servants too must vote normally like other voters if not on duty on polling day.

The postal ballot system must be transparent. Party agents should be allowed to monitor the entire process of postal voting.

3. Use of indelible ink

Indelible ink must be used in all elections. It is a simple, affordable and effective solution in preventing voter fraud. In 2007, the EC decided to implement the use of indelible ink. However, in the final days leading up to the 12th General Elections, the EC decided to withdraw the use of indelible ink citing legal reasons and rumours of sabotage.

BERSIH 2.0 demands for indelible ink to be used for all the upcoming elections. Failure to do so will lead to the inevitable conclusion that there is an intention to allow voter fraud.

4. Minimum 21 days campaign period

The EC should stipulate a campaign period of not less than 21 days. A longer campaign period would allow voters more time to gather information and deliberate on their choices. It will also allow candidates more time to disseminate information to rural areas. The first national elections in 1955 under the British Colonial Government had a campaign period of 42 days but the campaign period for 12th GE in 2008 was a mere 8 days.

5. Free and fair access to media

It is no secret that the Malaysian mainstream media fails to practice proportionate, fair and objective reporting for political parties of all divide. BERSIH 2.0 calls on the EC to press for all media agencies, especially state-funded media agencies such as Radio and Television Malaysia (RTM) and Bernama to allocate proportionate and objective coverage for all potlical parties.

6. Strengthen public institutions

Public institutions must act independently and impartially in upholding the rule of law and democracy. Public institutions such as the Judiciary, Attorney-General, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC), Police and the EC must be reformed to act independently, uphold laws and protect human rights.

In particular, the EC must perform its constitutional duty to act independently and impartially so as to enjoy public confidence. The EC cannot continue to claim that they have no power to act, as the law provides for sufficient powers to institute a credible electoral system.

7. Stop corruption

Corruption is a disease that has infected every aspect of Malaysian life. BERSIH 2.0 and the rakyat demand for an end to all forms of corruption. Current efforts to eradicate corruption are mere tokens to appease public grouses. We demand that serious action is taken against ALL allegations of corruption, including vote buying.

8. Stop dirty politics

Malaysians are tired of dirty politics that has been the main feature of the Malaysian political arena. We demand for all political parties and politicians to put an end to gutter politics. As citizens and voters, we are not interested in gutter politics; we are interested in policies that affect the nation.

Is this still not worth it? Wallahu a’lam.

Abu Ziyad

p/s: really can’t understand why the government is so scared of the rally.

p/p/s: of course I understand!

Advertisement