Acts of violence and hooliganism continue to be committed against BERSIH 2.0 chairperson, Maria Chin Abdullah and her family. A 2.56am this morning, thugs splashed one of Maria’s son’s car with red paint. She was alerted to this incident from a phone call from her sister. The cowards were heard running away.
BERSIH 2.0 condemns this deplorable and despicable act against Maria and her family. Such acts of violence must stop and BERSIH 2.0 demands that swift action be taken against these criminals and gangsters. We also demand for immediate round-the-clock protection for Maria and her family.
BERSIH 2.0 views these acts as political intimidation and violence against not only Maria and her family but against the people’s movement, BERSIH 2.0. These are meant to stop our BERSIH Convoy and rally, which have been effective in spreading our message for institutional reforms.
BERSIH 2.0 is the target of these acts of political violence but the cowards have channelled their frustration and disagreement through Maria, her 3 sons, and her colleagues instead.
In the past two weeks alone, contemptible acts against Maria and BERSIH 2.0 include:
1. A false poster accusing Maria of promoting a change from Friday Muslim solat to Saturday. This is slander against her.
2. The death threats made by Ali Tinju against her. No action has been taken to date, instead he walks free.
3. The IS death threats made to Maria, her 3 sons, Mandeep Singh & Dato Ambiga Sreenevasan.
4. Deaths threats made by Jamal Yunos against Maria, Mandeep and Ambiga. (http://www.kinitv.com/video/40110O8)
5. This morning’s incident where red paint was splashed on Maria’s son’s car.
These acts, although they may seem isolated, are meant to stir up confusion, distrust, and to demonise the BERSIH 2.0 movement. Freedom of expression is sacred to democracy and must be upheld and protected at all costs. Any disagreements should not result in violent political retaliation.
These reprehensible acts must not distract from the real and pertinent issues of institutional reform and discussions of the 1MDB scandal and corruption under Najib’s administration.
BERSIH 2.0 remains resolute to continue its planned programmes as our demands have not been met by the unscrupulous government. We will not waver on our fight for clean elections, a clean government, the strengthening of parliamentary democracy, the right to dissent, and the empowerment of Sabah and Sarawak.
BERSIH 2.0 calls upon all Malaysians to condemn such acts of political violence and turn up in large numbers on 19 November 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. We must show this government that we are not intimidated and Malaysians want reforms.
Political violence and intimidation has no place in democracy building for a new Malaysia.
Satukan Tenaga
Malaysia baru.
Signed by BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee members