Bersih 3.0 a challenge on govt’s will to enforce law — Dr Ongkili

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KOTA MARUDU: The Bersih 3.0 demonstration had nothing to do with electoral reform but was merely a political challenge to test the government’s will in enforcing law and order in this country, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili.

The chairman of the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform also pointed out that all submissions and concerns expressed by the Bersih group had been addressed by the PSC.

“The 32 recommendations (10 in the interim report and 22 in the final report) generated by the PSC to effect electoral reform in Malaysia have incorporated proposals to address their concerns.

“If the PSC has been unsuccessful in addressing the issues they raised then they have the three senior members of the Opposition in the PSC to blame for failing to represent their respective parties or other issues raised by Bersih.

“But as it is publicly known, 28 out of the 32 recommendations (or 90 per cent) were unanimously agreed by the nine PSC members including the representatives from the opposition,” he said when opening the Mukim Bongon Kaamatan festival at Kampung Radu yesterday.

Dr Ongkili said opinions were divided only for four PSC recommendations namely issues of postal voting for media, automatic registration, voting age and campaign period.

“In fact, matters still being raised by the Bersih group such as the ongoing cleansing of
the electoral roll and restructuring of the Election Commission has all been addressed in detail by the PSC’s recommendations.

“The challenge ahead is simply the task of implementing those recommendations by the respective authorities,” he said, adding that Bersih should be rational and reasonable.

Dr Ongkili also held the organisers of the demonstration fully responsible for the eventuality that had taken place during Saturday’s illegal gathering.

He said that the authority had declared Dataran Merdeka out of bounds in order to avoid inconveniences to businesses and city travellers, offering instead alternative sites for the peaceful demonstration. Even the High Court ratified the decision of City Hall.

“But when you have the president of Pakatan Rakyat openly urging demonstrators to storm Dataran Merdeka, we then have a bunch of leaders who are disrespectful of the law of the land and instigating supporters to openly commit offences.

“Are these the type of leaders Malaysians can trust, placing their future in their hands, and to manage this country and the people’s political future?” he asked.

Dr Ongkili, who is also PBS deputy president, said Malaysians should be thankful that in this country they have a national government that is open to the views and sentiments of the people.

“The public is even allowed to demonstrate so long as they are in approved designated areas”.

Dr Ongkili, who just returned from a trade mission in Myanmar, said Malaysians should count their blessings, as there were not many countries that enjoy the stability, freedom, progress and peace available here.

“I urge all Malaysians to hold fast to the spirit of moderation, unity and Mitatabang (solidarity) as espoused by the founders of the Federation.

“We must never allow this country to be governed from the streets. As Malaysians celebrate Pesta Kaamatan may we renew friendships, enhance unity and spirit of cooperation and above all have sound political sense,” he added.