Bersih may be exploited to favour ruling regime
A political commentator has warned that the planned rally by Bersih 2.0 on Jul 9 may be exploited by extremist groups to create tension, thereby alienating the people from supporting the opposition.
A political commentator warns that the rally may play into BN's hands with extremist groups planning to raise tensions.
A political commentator has warned that the planned rally by Bersih 2.0 on July 9 may be exploited by extremist groups to create tension, thereby alienating the people from supporting the opposition.
Bilingual columnist Lee Ban Chen (photo, second from left) observed that Bersih 2.0 has been under fire for its decision to call a mega rally demanding a revamp of the current electoral system to ensure free and fair elections.
"Our country is already in uncertain times. If there are extremist groups attempting to fan extreme racial and religious sentiments, we don't know what would happen," Lee told some 70 participants of a political forum in Kuala Lumpur last night.
He pointed out that the situation would be further compounded by the authorities’s inaction with an intent to take advantage of the situation.
"This would create a critical atmosphere so that the people would dare not revolt (against the ruling party) or support the parties that are supposed to be supported.
"It would bring the country to the brink of great danger," he said.
Since the coalition for free and fair elections announced the rally last month, it has received fierce condemnation from detractors BN and groups including right-wing Malay rights group Perkasa, that has followed by announcing its own counter-rally on the same day.
Temperatures rose further when Umno Youth also announced their own simultaneous rally to support the current electoral system.
Several groups have also lodged police reports against Bersih 2.0 and urged the authorities to use the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) against the organisers.
'Ops Lalang waiting to happen'
The whole scenario has heightened concerns among some political observers that the ruling regime may use the rising tensions as an excuse to launch a massive crackdown on the opposition and activists, reminiscent of Operasi Lalang of 1987.
Lee stressed that PAS plays an important role during this period as a counterbalance against the forces that are trying to stir tension among the races.
"If PAS and Pakatan Rakyat could reach a consensus to defuse the current tensions, based on democratic principles and political consultation, the future development would be brighter," he said.
Lee was sharing his views on the topic ‘challenges to transformation of political parties’, on invitation of the civil rights committee of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
Other speakers were newly elected PAS vice-president Husam Musa (left) and executive director of PKR-linked think tank Political Studies for Change (KPRU) Ong Ooi Heng.
Husam was however unperturbed by Perkasa's counter-rally.
"Don't worry, Perkasa can only mobilise 30 people, but we have 100,000 or 200,000 people. We won't be able to notice them," Husam quipped, sending his audience into fits of laughter.
He suggested that Bersih 2.0 should prepare a rally guidebook for protesters in order to ensure peace and calm during the event, and to emulate the Jasmine revolution in the Arab world.
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