Bersih hands over memorandum urging govt to implement political reforms

KUALA LUMPUR: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has handed a memorandum to the government calling for promised political reforms on Tuesday (Feb 27).

At around 8.30am, a group of protesters from Bersih assembled by the road leading up to Parliament.

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A noticeable police presence was in the area to handle traffic flow as the rally began.

A number of MPs from both sides of the aisle came to greet the protesters.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani), who accepted the memorandum on behalf of the government, said the reform agenda was still being championed.

"If we refer to the speech by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia yesterday, it is clear that His Majesty wants political stability.

"There is a clear message that Parliament this time is to fully bring forth the voices of the rakyat.

"This is the best chance for the government today to enact total reformation," he said.

He added that the government will strive to fulfill the reforms promised but such things need time.

"There are many things to consider but I am confident that the unity government (is on) that path. I urge patience from all our friends here... work towards reforms is already under way," he said.

Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) said that the situation was critical if Bersih was raising the matter.

"We know that those in the government and Bersih have a good relationship. So for Bersih to resort to this to inform the government (of the reform demands) it is clear that something is wrong in the reforms enacted by the government today.

"We have long held that this government is sembang kosong (all talk)," he added.

Bersih chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, when met after the gathering, said a mass Bersih 6 gathering was still on the table if there was no follow-through on reforms.

"This is the third phase, with the second being the press conference we had earlier. We want all MPs to understand and be aligned with this reform agenda.

"In the next month or so, with Parliament in session, we will follow up directly with the MPs," he said, adding that the movement also hoped to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other leaders.

When contacted, Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said Tuesday's gathering was being investigated under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.