Bersih launches 'support Major Zaidi campaign'
Susan LoonePublished: Mar 4, 2014 6:57 AM | Updated: Mar 4, 2014 10:14 AM
Electoral watchdog Bersih has launched a "Support Major Zaidi Campaign" to urge the Royal Malaysian Air Force to drop the seven charges against him.
Electoral watchdog Bersih has launched a "Support Major Zaidi Campaign" to urge the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to drop the seven charges against him.
Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said an official letter on the matter will be sent to the RMAF council today.
Zaidi Ahmad was hauled to court for lodging a police report on the indelible ink after the May 5 general election last year.
"The Election Commission had admitted in the media about the failure of the indelible ink. Hundreds of voters have lodged reports over the matter," Maria said.
"So why is action taken against Zaidi when he was merely speaking the truth for the sake of public interest?" she asked.
Maria said Bersih is organising the campaign via the social media so that thousands can voice out their dissatisfaction over the court action against Zaidi.
She urged Zaidi's supporters to snap a photo of themselves carrying a placard with the words "Drop charges against Major Zaidi" or "Punish the Election Commission, not Major Zaidi" and upload it on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #sokongzaidi before his trial begins in April.
'Zaidi should be honoured for his bravery'
Maria said Bersih believes that many Malaysians do not agree with Zaidi being punished and felt that he should be honoured for his honesty and bravery for upholding the truth.
The campaign follows a visit by a Bersih delegation to Zaidi's home in Kepala Batas on Feb 24.
Accompanying Maria on the trip were Bersih northern region coordinator Toh Kin Woon, secretariat members Mandeep Singh and Adam Adli, and Ikram treasurer Mustafa Basri.
Out of the seven charges against Zaidi, three are on issuing media statements and two on SMSes said to be political in nature.
If convicted, Zaidi may lose his pension and other benefits.
"This is an injustice that cannot be accepted by the people," Maria said. “He is the country's real hero. If all citizens are like Zaidi, who is brave to voice out the truth, surely there will be less problems in our administrative system.”
Meanwhile, Maria also reminded the EC that according to Article 114 (2) of the Federal Constitution, the commission needs to obtain the confidence and trust of the people.
However, no action has been taken against the EC for its failure in administering the indelible ink.
Maria also urged Zaidi's supporters to attend the trial in April and show the army panel that the major does not stand alone.
Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said an official letter on the matter will be sent to the RMAF council today.
Zaidi Ahmad was hauled to court for lodging a police report on the indelible ink after the May 5 general election last year.
"The Election Commission had admitted in the media about the failure of the indelible ink. Hundreds of voters have lodged reports over the matter," Maria said."So why is action taken against Zaidi when he was merely speaking the truth for the sake of public interest?" she asked.
Maria said Bersih is organising the campaign via the social media so that thousands can voice out their dissatisfaction over the court action against Zaidi.
She urged Zaidi's supporters to snap a photo of themselves carrying a placard with the words "Drop charges against Major Zaidi" or "Punish the Election Commission, not Major Zaidi" and upload it on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #sokongzaidi before his trial begins in April.
'Zaidi should be honoured for his bravery'
Maria said Bersih believes that many Malaysians do not agree with Zaidi being punished and felt that he should be honoured for his honesty and bravery for upholding the truth.
The campaign follows a visit by a Bersih delegation to Zaidi's home in Kepala Batas on Feb 24.
Accompanying Maria on the trip were Bersih northern region coordinator Toh Kin Woon, secretariat members Mandeep Singh and Adam Adli, and Ikram treasurer Mustafa Basri.
Out of the seven charges against Zaidi, three are on issuing media statements and two on SMSes said to be political in nature.
If convicted, Zaidi may lose his pension and other benefits.
"This is an injustice that cannot be accepted by the people," Maria said. “He is the country's real hero. If all citizens are like Zaidi, who is brave to voice out the truth, surely there will be less problems in our administrative system.”
Meanwhile, Maria also reminded the EC that according to Article 114 (2) of the Federal Constitution, the commission needs to obtain the confidence and trust of the people.
However, no action has been taken against the EC for its failure in administering the indelible ink.
Maria also urged Zaidi's supporters to attend the trial in April and show the army panel that the major does not stand alone.
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