Civil society power: Bersih's pressure halts Selangor govt plan to give 'duit raya'

 

The power of NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs) can be seen in how Bersih prevented the government from handing out “duit raya” during its Aidilfitri open house event in Kuala Kubu Baharu ahead of the by-election.

However, Bersih executive director Ooi Kok Hin stressed that there’s a need for the Election Commission (EC) to have another body to enforce election laws as NGOs lack enforcement power.

“There’s only so much we can do. We can complain, lodge a police report, which we have done, MACC report if we can if there is corruption, bribery and so on.

“But, you know, we don’t have enforcement power. In fact, the EC doesn’t have much enforcement power.

“That is why Bersih urges for the formation of a new body for enforcement,” he said during a press conference at Bersih headquarters this afternoon.

Bersih executive director Ooi Kok Hin

On April 26, Bersih said the Selangor state government’s Aidilfitri open house in Kuala Kubu Baharu was an election offence.

It questioned the timing and location of the event as well as the gifting of “duit raya” in the programme brochure as the nomination for the by-election in the state constituency was the following day.

In response, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari denied the claims, saying there were no elements of campaigning during the event as the timing and location were a coincidence due to the state government’s rotation of its events.

He added that the agenda to give “duit raya” to the event attendees was also cancelled, despite being listed in the invite.

Bersih congress

Meanwhile, Bersih said such issues will be addressed in the Bersih Congress on May 25 at The Kuala Lumpur And Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

The event will be used as a platform to bring together CSOs, students and the public to formulate plans and resolutions ahead of the 16th general election.

Bersih deputy chairperson Wong Yan Ke said this has been brought about due to the current government’s slow implementation of its reform agenda.

“The Bersih Congress will also feature leading intellectuals and community activists who will share insights and collaborate on joint planning,” he said.

It will be an opportunity for the people and NGOs to set the nation’s direction, Ooi added.

Bersih chairperson Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said the congress will result in a resolution which will be shared with the government and the opposition.

Bersih chairperson Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz

Around 500 people are expected to attend the congress, Faisal added.

A platform will also be opened to the public to submit motions related to four criteria: election reformation, human rights, institutional reform, and racial harmony.

Speakers at the congress include former Dewan Rakyat speaker Ariff Md Yusof, former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan, Sinar Harian managing editor Hussamuddin Yaacob, Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement president Fahmi Samsudin, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs chief operating officer Sri Murniati Yusuf and others who have yet to be confirmed.

Those interested in attending can register here. - Mkini