Expressing regret over the harsh reaction to the rally from the onset, he warned that the July 9 episode had left a gaping wound and it was counter productive for BN to continue dumping salt into it.
“Let us put aside Bersih 2.0′s call for electoral reforms, what is also needed is a total reformation in BN, where its leaders should learn to handle a crisis in a more diplomatic manner instead of using tear gas and water cannons to silence dissenting views,” he told FMT.
Vell Paari noted that Bersih 2.0 had a bone to pick with the Election Commission, but the unwarranted actions and threats from the authorities made it seem that the coalition was against BN.
Commenting on the Tung Shin Hospital incident, he said the police should apologise if it had fired tear gas into the compound and not attempt to skirt around the issue when there were many videos and photographs to back the claim.
“Sometimes in a tensed situation, there is a possibility that an overzealous policeman may make a mistake, and the police should just admit this instead of going into denial mode,” he said.
The game has changed
Vell Paari said that the game of politics in Malaysia had changed tremendously over the years, but the politicians in BN still refused to adapt and held on to antiquated strategies.
“We cannot operate like how we did 10 or 20 years ago, everyone has access to information, almost everyone is walking around with a smart phone – with just a click of the button, information comes pouring.
“In order to argue its case, BN must engage its opponents and critics on the same wavelength and not invoke security laws, deploy the police or ban T-shirts,” he added.
Concurring with Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Vell Paari said the six Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) leaders held under the Emergency Ordinance should be released.
“Their continued detention will only make things worse for BN and the repercussions will be felt in the next general election,” he added.
On the same note, Vell Paari said he felt sorry for Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who was bearing the brunt of the Bersih 2.0 fiasco.
According to him, the premier had been on the right track, pushing the right buttons, and saying the right things, especially with his 1Malaysia concept, since taking over the reins in April 2009.
“He was genuinely trying to bring changes and reform. But he has been given ill advice on Bersih 2.0 and now it has backfired. It seems that the PM needs new advisers,” he said.
Vell Paari also took a swipe at those calling for Bersih 2.0 chairperson S Ambiga’s citizenship to be revoked.
“It is precisely idiotic calls such as this which land BN in a fix. Some of these ‘jokers’ were also part of rallies and protests in the past, especially in Penang. So these hypocrites can do BN a lot of good by keeping their mouths shut,” he said.
Furthermore, he added, in terms of credentials, Ambiga “outclassed” them.
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