Probe on polls reformer a plot to derail movement, says Ambiga

Ambiga (second from right) accompanied Wong (left) to Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur today. — Picture by Choo Choy MayKUALA LUMPUR, April 19 — Police investigations into the work of a polls reform activist are an attempt to portray electoral watchdogs Bersih 2.0 and Tindak Malaysia as security threats, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said today.

The Bersih co-chairman said the police questioning came after the group found the circulation of a fake e-mail instructing its followers to, among others, physically vet voters in the May 5 general election.

“There is a plot to undermine civil societies, Bersih and Tindak Malaysia. The email is false and there is an attempt to smear Bersih’s name,” Ambiga told a press conference here.

“They called Wong Piang Yow and questioned him under section 124C of the Penal Code which is related to SOSMA. He is effectively investigated under SOSMA,” she added, referring to the newly-introduced controversial security law that rights activists alleged encroaches human rights.

Wong, who is Tindak Malaysia founder, was called in for questioning at the Bukit Aman police headquarters earlier today, likely to be in relation to the group’s push for voters to ask for a random ballot paper on polling day to protect the secrecy of their vote.

MORE TO COME