SANDAKAN, July 3 — DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang today demanded that Datuk Seri Najib Razak lift the ban on Bersih 2.0, saying it was Umno Youth and Perkasa who were guilty of the charges used to outlaw the election watchdog group. Lim added that it was Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin, and not Bersih 2.0, who was guilty of tarnishing the country’s image by ordering the ban, adding that the latter’s move would cause a great loss of public and investor confidence in Malaysia.
“The prime minister should overrule Hishammuddin and lift the ban on Bersih as the three grounds given for the ban under the Societies Act do not stand scrutiny and will only expose the government and country to public disdain and international scorn,” he said.
He accused Umno Youth and Perkasa, both of whom have vowed to hold separate rallies this July 9, of being guilty of the three grounds listed in the four-paragraph statement issued by the ministry yesterday to explain the ban.
The reasons are:
i) Being active and sparking an atmosphere of unrest and worry among the multiracial community in the country;
ii) Spreading propaganda to incite the people to topple the government by distributing certain leaflets;
iii) Its activities have given a bad image to the country, which can threaten and undermine public order, security, economy and country’s sovereignty and affect the harmony of the multiracial community.
“Bersih is not guilty of these charges. Those guilty are Perkasa and Umno Youth, with the former even threatening another May 13 by warning the Chinese to stay indoors and to stock up food and Umno Youth (gathering) in front of PKR headquarters threatening violence and chaos.
“Why has Hishammuddin acted against Bersih the innocent party while doing nothing to the culprits, Perkasa and Umno Youth, as if they enjoy immunity and impunity for committing crimes?” Lim asked.
He also mocked the government for claiming that it could be toppled by the distribution of “certain leaflets” and demanded evidence to back the allegation.
“With the outrageous ban on Bersih, the home minister is himself guilty of giving Malaysia a bad image. Will Hishammuddin ban himself from committing such disservices to Malaysia?” he added.
Over the past week, election watchdog Bersih 2.0, civil society groups and Pakatan Rakyat representatives have found themselves under siege as the Najib administration moved to thwart its plans to march next Sunday.
Bersih 2.0, a coalition of 62 non-governmental groups, plans to stage the rally to push for free and fair elections in the country, claiming that all other avenues, including pressure from opposition parties, have been tested and failed.
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