Clean and fair elections? Malaysia may be pushing the boundaries
Attacks on campaigners hoping to topple scandal tainted prime minister distract from a bigger issue – a plan to redraw electoral boundaries in favour of his party
While violence against a popular electoral reform group has stolen the headlines in Malaysia, a quieter yet more critical fight is brewing in the country’s heated political landscape.
The attacks on supporters of Bersih – a coalition of NGOs seeking to reform the country’s electoral system to ensure free, clean and fair elections – come as the group attempts to drum up support for its rally in the capital on November 19 that will call for the resignation of scandal tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak.
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Pro-government Red Shirts targeted a convoy of Bersih supporters – who wear yellow T-shirts as a symbol of protest – as it toured the country as part of a roadshow to promote the rally. Bersih supporters were kicked, pelted with eggs and some had their vehicles vandalised.
Shocking though the scenes may be, the roadshow is just one aspect of Bersih’s campaign to strengthen Malaysia’s electoral system.
Of greater importance is the massive push by Bersih and other political parties to resist plans by Malaysia’s Election Commission to redraw the boundaries of parliament and state legislative seats.
