Censure Political Violence, Bersih tells EC

Bersih tells EC to censure political violence

The Malaysian Insider – 26 minutes ago

Related Content

• View PhotoBersih tells EC to censure political violence
• View PhotoBersih tells EC to censure political violence

By Boo Su-Lyn

PETALING JAYA, April 29 ― The Election Commission (EC) must denounce all instances of political violence ahead of the May 5 general election to ensure Malaysians may vote freely and safely, electoral watchdog Bersih said today.

With six days until the general election that is touted to be the tightest electoral race in recent history, the group told political parties to stop feeding recent violent incidents like petrol bombing, death threats, as well as “fear mongering” that incite racial and religious tension.

“Any political divide that instils fear is a bankrupt political party,” Bersih special committee co-chair Irene Fernandez told reporters at Pusat Komas here today.

“All elements that fuel political violence and create fear must be avoided,” she added, pointing out that such incidents were an election offence if they deterred people from voting this Sunday.

The human rights activist also condemned MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek for blaming the opposition for the violence and saying that Barisan Nasional (BN) members may react in the same way.
“This is a very irresponsible statement. It just fuels further forms of hatred,” said Fernandez.

A petrol bomb was thrown into the house compound of the daughter of PKR candidate for the Sri Andalas state seat last Thursday, setting her car on fire.

Caretaker Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng also reportedly filed a police report last Thursday over a text message he received that threatened death against his wife and son if he was re-appointed chief minister.
Petrol bombs were thrown at BN operations centres in Penang, Selangor and Kedah last week.

Fernandez noted today that flyers were being distributed in Skudai, Johor that accused DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, who is contesting the Gelang Patah federal seat, of being responsible for the May 13 race riots.

“Such fear-mongering tactics and use of racial and religious sentiments are contemptible,” said Fernandez.
“However, we’re happy that caretaker mentri besar of Johor, Abdul Ghani Othman, condemned the flyers and the use of sensitive issues during the election campaign,” she added.

Fernandez also criticised the advertisements in MCA-owned newspaper The Star for fanning racial sentiments by saying that a vote for the DAP is a vote for Islamist party PAS.

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. We offer both local and foreign news on animals, disability and the elderly. PET+BLOGSPOT was first established in October 2007. Our hits since then are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!