The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) yesterday reminded Malaysians to use the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and National Day break to check their voter status, following rising claims of irregularities.
NONE

It also urged city dwellers who have already started to balik kampung (return to their hometowns) in time for Hari Raya, expected to fall on Tuesday, to deliver a "special message" to their loved ones.

"We have a special message for Malaysians this festive season.

"Lately, Bersih 2.0 has received several complaints about individuals who are not registered as voters finding their names on the electoral roll. There are also cases where polling areas are changed without notice.

"We hope all Malaysians, including those overseas, will check their names on the electoral roll. Even those who have never registered are encouraged to do so," said Bersih 2.0 in a statement.

It added that this can easily be done on the Election Commission website, and that those with Internet skills should help their families and friends in the kampung who do not know how to check their status online.

"Contact us with more information at diinfo@bersih.org or send a fax to 03-7784 4978 if you find out that your polling area has been changed without your knowledge or that your name is on the electoral roll even though you have never registered," the coalition's message said.

It also urged all citizens aged 21 and above who have yet to register themselves as voters to make their way to a post office soon after the three-day Hari Raya and National Day break to do so.

"Don't neglect your right to vote! Make sure you vote in the next general election," it said.

Christian group’s advice to leaders

Meanwhile, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), in its Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day message, called on all Malaysians to respect the sanctity of places of worship.

“We must not allow actions which are insensitive, arrogant and disrespectful to prevail nor to derail us from our living in harmony and love amongst all religions and communities in Malaysia,” it said.

Though the statement did not touch on any specific group or incident, it is seen as referring to the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department’s (Jais) raid at a church in Petaling Jaya on Aug 3.

CFM also called on political leaders to “act justly, do rightly and to love mercy”.

“We expect and call our nation’s leaders to show consistent and sustainable leadership in the prime minister’s unifying theme of ‘1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now’ to the end that the theme will not be just more talk than action but become a concrete reality so that we can all enjoy its fruits.”

The statement also touched on the electoral reforms advocated by Bersih 2.0.

“Many Malaysians desire electoral reforms to ensure a fair and equitable electoral system and the government’s response of a parliamentary select committee to look into this crucial matter is a step forward in the right direction.”

CFM urged Malaysians to reject all forms of extremism.

“In particular, we reject extremist speeches and statements and irresponsible reporting in the media.

“We call on every Malaysian to contribute towards the process of nation-building, without thought of reward.

“Churches and Christians should continue freely to do works of charity to contribute towards nation-building in diverse ways so that the benefits can be reaped by the poor and the needy, irrespective of race, religion or creed.”