The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) object irrevocably to the 2nd Display on the proposed electoral boundaries in Selangor. The Election Commission (EC) has been incalcitrant and has not withdrawn its unfair redelineation exercise. BERSIH 2.0 is here today to submit our strong objection to the violation of the constitutional clause of ‘approximately equal’.
The role of the EC is to ensure fair delineation so that the rakyat will be able to elect the representative whom they voted for and will not be manipulated due to unfair redelineation, malapportionment and gerrymandering. The EC’s continuous inability to solve the matter is indicative of the failure of such weak institutions to uphold the rights of the rakyat and their participation in ensuring clean and fair elections.
BERSIH 2.0 holds the EC accountable to the people, the political parties and the Parliament as it plays a vital role in facilitating the processes and procedures by which the democratic system rests. It cannot continue to sidestep and flout the law without so much as a slap on the wrist.
Despite the EC bulldozing through the local inquiries as a result of objections to the 1^st Display with no care or consideration for the availability of the objectors during the festive season, BERSIH 2.0 and all concerned parties have worked together to protest against  unconstitutional redelineation, malapportionment and gerrymandering.
The ensuing local enquiry process must be based on the right of the voter to choose their own government and for that reason, the redrawn boundaries must be impartial to all political parties. There is no point to the local inquiries if the EC continues to bulldoze through the process without taking action to address gerrymandering and malapportionment, or the entire process will be reduced to nothing more than a façade.
“This is not just about redelineation but safeguarding our Constitution, the supreme law of the country – and also the rule of law, and to defend clean and fair elections in Malaysia. The violations of the people’s constitutional right further bring home the need for laws and institutional reform of the Election Commission,” says Maria Chin Abdullah, chairperson of BERSIH 2.0.
BERSIH 2.0 expects the local inquiries to begin within the next 1-2 weeks. The final report on redelineation will be sent to the Prime Minister who will then table it at Parliament for adoption. The courts have failed to deliver justice and so Parliament is our last bastion to put the lid on unfair redelineation. BERSIH 2.0 calls upon all MPs to act as the rakyat’s voice and critically debate the report, if it is tabled in parliament – and to reject the EC’s redelineation report in toto where there is gross violation of the constitutional parameters.
‘SATUKAN TENAGA, KALAHKAN PENIPUAN’
Issued by:
BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee