Bersih's own election put on hold after acting chair's exit

Bersih has been forced to put its internal elections on hold after acting chairperson Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari made his exit from the electoral watchdog to allegedly take up a ministry role.

An internal letter to the Bersih endorsing organisations signed by election committee members Stanley Yong and Sevan Doraisamy, which was sighted by Malaysiakini today, states that Sharul Aman withdrew his candidacy for the role of steering committee chairperson.

"Shahrul Aman has been called to join... as press secretary of the minister.

"As Shahrul Aman is the only candidate nominated and accepted for the position of chairperson upon the deadline of nomination, this would mean that there will be no chairperson to be elected for Bersih if the election goes ahead on the original date on Oct 6, 2018.

"In view of this new development, the election committee is left with no other choice but to announce the postponement of the election and have a new round of nominations for all positions.

"All existing nominations for the remaining positions are now invalid, as both candidates and endorsing organisations may want new choices in the new circumstances," read the letter sent last Monday.

Bersih will hold a new election on Nov 10.

In a statement, the Bersih steering committee confirmed Shahrul Aman's resignation, which will come into effect next Monday, Oct 8.

"From then on, he will no longer represent Bersih in any matters," it said.

The group added that until a new committee is elected, executive director Yap Swee Seng will serve as caretaker.

"Bersih would like to thank the contribution that has been made by Shahrul Aman in this struggle for democracy and clean and fair elections," the statement read. - Mkini