The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) calls on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led state government of Sarawak to provide equal allocation of RM5 million to all the members of Sarawak state assembly (ADUN). The voters in the state constituencies won by opposition party ADUNs from PKR and DAP should not be punished for voting opposition parties.

A petition led by the Chairperson of BERSIH Sarawak, Ann Teo demanding fair allocation of funding to all elected assemblypersons was launched on 10 June 2018 (Sunday). BERSIH 2.0 urges all Malaysians to sign the petition and effectively put an end to party discrimination. The petition can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/NoPartyDiscrimination.

Similarly, BERSIH 2.0 urges Barisan Nasional-led state governments in Perlis and Pahang and the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)-led state government in Kelantan and Terengganu to implement the same policy of equal allocation to all ADUNs.

The justifications provided by Pahang MB Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail whereby allocation to opposition assembly persons depend on the availability of State funds, and Sarawak CM Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg that funds will be allocated to opposition assemblypersons when they join the party leading the State assembly lacks democratic accountability, commitment and responsibility and are unacceptable.

Such clear bias at the State Legislative Assembly is tantamount to the oppression of voters who have voted in opposition representatives by punishing these voters for exercising their constitutional right to vote for candidate and political party freely. This undermines the citizen’s right to vote which is protected under Article 119 of the Federal Constitution.

BERSIH 2.0 congratulates the other State Assemblies for embracing a new beginning and granting opposition assemblypersons funding to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of citizens, especially the Johor State Assembly for granting equal funding to all assemblypersons.

We further welcome the statement made by Ayer Hitam parliamentarian and Deputy President of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Wee Ka Siong for writing officially to the Chief Minister of Pahang, Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Chief Minister of Perlis, Azlan Man to give equal allocation to all state assemblypersons in both the states. 

BERSIH 2.0 calls on the Federal and all state governments to rise above party politics and put the interest and wellbeing of all residents, citizens and voters above all else. Chief Ministers and Menteri Besar’s must consider their constituents when exercising their powers in these capacities and not prioritise party or political interests.

Issued by:
BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee