Thomas Fann retained as Bersih chair

The Election Committee of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (Bersih 2.0) has re-elected Thomas Fann as its chairperson for the 2020-2022 term, while former committee member Dr Abdul Halim Yusof is now deputy chairperson.

The election of the Steering Committee was successfully held today with the following team selected:

Chairperson: Thomas Fann (above)

Deputy chairperson: Dr Abdul Halim Yusof

Vice-chair for Sabah: Edlyn Beverly Joeman

Vice-chair for Sarawak: Ann Teo Chiang Joo

Treasurer: Ngeow Chow Ying

Committee members: Alex Johnson and Akmal Hisham Abdul Rahim

Bersih's election committee members Ivy Josiah and Liau Kok Fah said there were 19 endorsing organisations of Bersih 2.0 who voted in the process, representing a 33.33 percent turnout from the total number of 57 endorsing organisations of the coalition.

"Thomas Fann is elected to a second term as the chairperson of Bersih 2.0 and similarly, Ann Teo, Edlyn Beverly Joeman, Ngeow Chow Ying and Alex Johnson have retained their positions," they said in a statement today.

Newly elected deputy chairperson Dr Halim has an extensive record in the field of medicine and academics, they added.

"Throughout his tenure, Dr Halim has demonstrated his readiness in many political and social activities through multiple NGOs, think-tanks and was also previously part of the Bersih 2.0 Steering Committee.

"The newly elected committee member, Akmal Hisham, is an academician excelling in the field of politics and currently also an exco member of Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim)," said the duo.

In his speech after the election result was announced, Fann thanked the outgoing Steering Committee members for their dedication and tenacity throughout their term.

He also expressed the hope that the new committee would help the coalition navigate the challenging circumstances of political crisis and Covid-19 pandemic.

The election watchdog was first formed in November 2006 and has organised five mass rallies across the country from 2007 to 2016. 

It has also established many overseas chapters and prominent past leaders, including lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan and current Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah. - Mkini