Almost every day, Malaysians are provided with fresh proof that there is just no level playing field for free and fair elections in Malaysia and that the Barisan Nasional government is still a very long way off from fulfilling Bersih 2.0 Eight Demands for free and fair elections highlighted in the July 9, 2011 rally, let alone the Further Three Demands of the Bersih 3.0 “sit-in” on April 28 last month.
The Eight Demands of the Bersih 2.0 rally were:
1. Clean the electoral roll
2. Reform postal voting
3. Use of indelible ink
4. A minimum campaign period of 21 days
5. Free and fair access to mainstream media
6. Strengthen public institutions
7. Stop corruption
8. Stop dirty politics
The Further Three Demands of the Bersih 3.0 “sit-in” are:
1. The Election Commission must resign, as it has failed in its responsibility and has lost the confidence of the public.
2. The electoral process must be cleaned before the 13th General Elections.
3. Invite international observers to observe the 13th General Elections.
The latest proof that Malaysia is still a long way off from a level playing field for the holding of free and fair elections are firstly, the wild and baseless allegation by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak that Bersih 3.0 was an attempt by the opposition to topple the Barisan Nasional government; and secondly, the blind and baseless support given by three former Inspector-Generals of Police to Najib’s wild allegation.
In a front-page report by UMNO-owned Berita Harian today, three former IGPs, Tun Haniff Omar, Tan Sri Rahim Noor and Tan Sri Musa Hassan lent credence to Najib’s wild claim that the “428” Bersih 3.0 “sit-in” was an attempt to topple the government by calling on the police to act against the “alleged coup attempt”.
It would appear that the three former IGPs are being used to justify a major crackdown reminiscent of Operation Lalang mass arrests in 1987!
Is there any iota of evidence that there was indeed an attempted coup by Bersih 3.0 “sit-in” to topple the elected government as alleged by Najib and supported by the three former IGPs so as to justify a major crackdown?
No, there is none whatsoever, as evident from Haniff’s own admission. This is what Haniff said:
“There has to be a basis because the prime minister cannot simply make claims. It could happen and there are always people bidding their chance to do it for their own interest.”
This is the height of ridiculousness and the first time in the nation’s 55-year history that there is any claim that a Prime Minister’s words, however wild and far-fetched, are themselves proof of their truth and sufficient basis for government action.
Never before had the previous five Prime Ministers, including Tun Dr. Mahathir during his 22-years as fourth Prime Minister, had ever laid claim that his words themselves are evidence of their veracity.
This is not only a ludicrous and dangerous attempt to make the Prime Minister’s words the law of the land, but also to constitute the evidence as well – regardless of however wild, ridiculous or baseless the claim or allegation.
Two of Bersih 2.0 Eight Demands are for a “free and fair access to mainstream media” and “stop dirty politics”.
Malaysians are seeing “dirty politics” at their worst in the nation’s 55-year history in the run-up to the 13th General Elections, all given full and free rein in the mainstream media, which is denied free and fair access to all contestants and stakeholders of a free and fair elections.
The irresponsible antics by the Prime Minister and the three IGPs are the latest and most vivid examples why the Eight Demands of Bersih 2.0 remain relevant, pertinent and unfulfilled – and why Bersih 2.0 and all justice-and-freedom loving Malaysians must continue to demand a level playing field for the holding of the 13th General Elections.
#1 by sotong on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 5:40 pm
What’s next? Three monkeys?
#2 by Bunch of Suckers on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 8:09 pm
Ha ha ha…
Presumably, every brilliant Malaysian have seen real Three Monkeys acts! There are every where in the Western world.: Supermarket, Shopping Malls, Pubs and etc-etc…
One of the Three covers its face, The other one covers its mouth and the Last one scratches its head…
In Bolehland, these Three Monkeys cover their faces and mouths. They use their a$$es to speak and fart!!!
He he he… Eventually, three sucky Monkeys suck each other D*cks…
#3 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 5:48 pm
///It would appear that the three former IGPs are being used to justify a major crackdown reminiscent of Operation Lalang mass arrests in 1987!/// – YB Kit.
Kit could be right. Consider sequence : first former premier TDM alleged in his blog that “PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz was in cahoots with Anwar Ibrahim in an attempt to topple the government through street demonstrations; then PM Najib Abdul Razak’s claimed that the rally was intended to occupy Dataran Merdeka and ultimately, to topple the government.Next top ex cops (IGP)s Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor, Musa Hassan and Haniff Omar are quoted as lending credence to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s claim. Latest present IGP said police investigations were started on a purported coup d’état attempt that is linked to the Bersih 3.0 rally (see Malaysiakini May 6, 2012). Powers-That-be are alarmed at sheer size of Bersih 3.0. They’re capitalizing on the apparent breach of the barricades as justification for ‘across the board’ police retaliation on 28-04-12 and propagandizing it as being justified to put down a “coup d’état attempt” said to be evinced by some Opposition leader’s rolling gesticulate with both hands caught on video just before barriers were broken. That’s why I have consistently maintained Bersih/PR should not give the other the pretext to crack down. And though PR’supporters or even Bar Council may wish to concentrate on police brutality as main issue –breach of barrier being treated as “side” issue- the reality is the reverse because the next move, when the Empire Strikes Back, it will be based on the breach of barriers being the main issue!
#4 by sheriff singh on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 5:50 pm
If Najib’s words are ‘reliable’, the let him go to Paris and give evidence at the Scopene investigations. What has he to hide or fear if he always tells the truth and can be believed ?
But there are many in the countryside who will cling to his words and readily believe him without questions and give him their votes. That was why there was a ‘live telecast’ of his speech for the benefit of this constituency.
This could be why UMNO and BN could sneak in at the next GE.
#5 by Loh on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:01 pm
Soon Najib will claim that allowing general election will have 10 million Malaysians walk on the streets to vote and that could very well be the occasion to topple the government and hence there would be no general election. Najib will continue to rule forever.
#6 by Loh on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:10 pm
Najib has no choice if he respects the constitution to call general election before March 2013. That deadline is only10 months away. Does Najib believe that Malaysians are stupid to believe him that opposition parties would choose to forgo the legitimacy to topple Najib through the general election without bloodshed, if Najib openly accepts the outcome of the general election, to choosing extra-parliamentary means. Najib was not willing to say categorically that he would accept the results of general election if the 13th election is held; it is now clear that he wanted to preserve that doubt so that he can now claim that the opposition might have to resort to other means to topple him. So Najib was the main culprit for not ensuring that the change of government, from one administration to the next, was to be based on general election. Najib is dangerous!
#7 by lkt-56 on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:27 pm
An anti-pakatan movement has now surfaced to: “demand that Bersih co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan stop the polls watchdog from being “hijacked” by the opposition pact.”
How many of you think that this is part of the concerted effort by BN to discredit the aspiration of the 250,000 citizens for free and fair election?
#8 by dagen wanna "ABU" on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:34 pm
Oh come on nitwits. Topple the gobermen? Of course. But its the people stupid. And the people want to boot umno out in GE and they plan to do so constitutionally. It that wrong. Isnt that what election is for? Oposition wants to get rid of umno? Idiot. What else hv the oppostion been attempting to do for the past 55 yrs. Is that wrong? And how come umno has no complains for 55 yrs? Is it because only recently it began to dawn on umno that its days in putrajaya is numbered?
Phaaark. These ppl are stupid!
#9 by monsterball on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:36 pm
All the chief crook’s men must come out to protect Humpty Dumpty fall and break into pieces.
Adopted son….lips is pink again….sensitive and unsure what to do
Adopted father said…BERSIH 3 out to topple the Govt…adopted son copied and said the same thing.
#10 by limkamput on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:43 pm
Huh, coup attempt without the police and the army? How do rakyat without arms stage a coup other than through the ballot box? This allegation is ridiculous, so ridiculous that it will become the coup de grâce of UMNO/BN. I think it is time.
#11 by limkamput on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 7:46 pm
I don’t think the three former IGP were being made used by PM. I think they are willing parties. You see, all those associated with the present regime, whether past and present, are feeling the heat now. If the rakyat are eventually empowered, they probably have lots of explanation to do. You think it is coincidental for Mahath!r to fight so tenaciously for this regime. No, I don’t think it is just the survival of this government he is concerned with; it is also his own survival and the interests of his families and cronies. Soon, both present and former heads of civil service, GLCs, Statutory Bodies and selected cronies in the private sector will also give their support. This government is fully aware of the need to reform, to engage with Bersih and to clean up the electoral process. But this government is also too saddled with skeletons that any reform or compromise will lead to their own demise. They have run out of option. They are fully aware that the hearts of the rakyat have turned against them. So no compromising hardliner response is expected.
#12 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 8:17 pm
Coup d’état attempt itself is illegal/unconstitutional,so all that is needed is to spin a tale of it. Whether with help from some police/army is irrelevant cos these are factors that determine success or otherwise of the attempt, separate from the attempt itself, that is being prosecuted for being wrong/unlawful. Whilst regime change in Marco’s Philippines was facilitated by Ponce Enrile (Defence Minister) and Ramos (chief constabulary) not all successful regime change via street protests require army/police for success, for example, exit of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak due to prolonged protests at Taksin square….So the rhetorical question “How do rakyat without arms stage a coup other than through the ballot box?… This allegation is ridiculous” may not necessarily prove the allegation ridiculous.
#13 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 8:34 pm
Sorry – Tahrir Square in Egypt – not Taksim in Istanbul, Turkey.
#14 by Bigjoe on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 8:58 pm
Actually, the bigger pictures is that there is too many coming out of the woodworks with litany of wild accusations and allegations – from this 3 ex-IGP, to Fatwa Council calling demostration haram, Supposedly traders near Sogo wearing UMNO uniform who want to arrest Ambiga, Dr. M suddenly saying PR creating an Arab Spring when he earlier said it was impossible, etc.
Not only is the number to these growing but the ridiculous factors keep going up.. Its sure sign of desperation and lost of confidence in Najib’s plan and leadership and so they are taking it upon themselves to try to help which only make Najib’s and UMNO-Perkasa/BN’s failure EVEN MORE GLARING…
Bersih got them running even more when Anwar, Azmin and PKR nearly screwed it up..
#15 by yhsiew on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 9:10 pm
Frank La Rue of the United Nations is willing to carry out an independent investigation on Bersih 2.0 and Bersih 3.0 rallies. He was in Malaysia on 10 July 2011. Instead of making baseless allegation against the opposition (of overthrowing the government), Najib should invite Frank La Rue to come and investigate the two rallies so as to establish if there were abuses by the rally organizers, rally supporters, the police and the government.
#16 by yhsiew on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 9:21 pm
How can the Opposition topple the government when the police and military personnel are still loyal to the government? Think rationally Najib.
#17 by Loh on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 9:50 pm
///KUALA LUMPUR May 6 — Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today accused Pakatan Rakyat PR of conspiring to overthrow the government through violent demonstrations as it is unlikely to win at the ballot box Bernama Online reported “If they lose again this time the 13th general election they are prepared to create chaos through protest demonstrations and making claims that the ruling government cheats to enable Barisan Nasional to win This is their approach now ” Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying by the state news agency.///–MalaysianInsider
That statement from the senile brain has mistaken who is now in power and needs to fear defeat. It is the BN which fears that it might be unlikely for them to win that they had to claim that Bersih 3.0 attempted to overthrow the government not through ballot boxes. By that BN will claim that in response they cannot now hold GE 13 because the voters, 10 million or more would choose the election day to overthrow the government. Thus, BN has declares that they have the birth right to rule, and they allow general election when they are sure of winning. Now that they are uncertain to win, they will not hold election. The BN plans to suspend election, and repeat what Razak did.
#18 by dagen wanna "ABU" on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 9:53 pm
Yeah. Umno suddenly realise the significance in the number of bersih supporters. Umno could never garner such participation. Not even when umno makes it compulsory for gobrrmen dept to show up and with the usual cash for attendance incentives. And definately not on such short notice like in bersih and without proper dissemination of info except only through facebook etc. Take heed umno. The people want to get rid of you constitutionally in GE 13. Its no use talking tough. And its not about the opposition. Arrest the opposition ppl if you dare and see if the movement to remove umno in ge 13 would continue. Its unstoppable umno. Simply unstoppable!
#19 by boh-liao on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 9:57 pm
WHAT 2 expect lah fr d 3 ex-IGPs? Of cos, they supported BRUTAL POLIS VIOLENCE mah
#20 by lkt-56 on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 10:11 pm
First it was said that Bersih is not a security threats and has no traction. Then it is now an attempt to overthrow the government. Whoever buys this latest BN argument must be an imbecile.
#21 by yhsiew on Sunday, 6 May 2012 - 11:40 pm
Ref #18
Yeah, another FLIP-FLOP. First Bersih 3.0 was not a security threat, now Bersih 3.0 aimed at overthrowing the government.
#22 by sheriff singh on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 12:55 am
Didn’t somebody said recently post Bersih 3.0 that there could have been ‘Communist elements’ involved in the protest? Communists?
But he said it so the government takes the hint and play along and now say it could have been a coup d’etat attempt. What else will they spin next to make it sound even more serious to warrant a crack down? Remember, they are in charge. Anything goes.
#23 by Cinapek on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 12:57 am
“If they lose again this time the 13th general election they are prepared to create chaos through protest demonstrations and making claims that the ruling government cheats to enable Barisan Nasional to win This is their approach now ” Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying by the state news agency.///–MalaysianInsider
These words betrayed the innermost thoughts of UMNO and their dogs. This is exactly what BN will do if they lose the election i.e. create chaos and mayhem and together with the “coup attempt” claims by the ex IGPs, provide the excuse to repeat the actions taken by the Alliance Party in 1969. I suspect that UMNO really has a deep seated fear they will lose GE13 and is setting the groundwork for an illegal power grab if it happens.
As for the three IGPs, one was convicted of a cowardly assault on Anwar and another had his testimony derided by a judge in the Datuk Ramli case as not truthful. IGPs with such baggages should keep their mouths shut as their credibility is highly suspicious.
#24 by boh-liao on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 2:00 am
WHAT’s d main hope of rakyat who participated in BERSIH 3.0?
ALL current supporters of UmnoB/BN hv a look at d 1st hand accounts of BERSIH 3.0 participants n d various videos on d Internet, n come 2 their senses dat UmnoB/BN MUST b TERMINATED in GE13: VOTE 4 PR, UBAH
#25 by boh-liao on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 2:23 am
Besides making use of d comments of d 3 exIGPs, UmnoB/BN will also make use of d statements of DAP’s vice-chairman TAA 2 their favor n 2 whack DAP, PKR, PAS, PR
#26 by sheriff singh on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 5:17 am
Perhaps it is a cue to make mountains out of molehills, to create things out of nothing or to see and imagine shadows everywhere. Whatever it is, some people might go paranoid. Will grass cutting be the order of the day to clear the field ?
#27 by SENGLANG on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 10:05 am
One retired happily and getting huge pension from Ganting, the other has been jailed and the other has been accused being the balck tai ko. All three try to be hero by saying something no body will believe except for those who are desperate to cling to the power.
#28 by SENGLANG on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 10:08 am
The PM is really scare shit by now. He is going almost nut and dreaming thing out of nothing. This the final sign of the down fall of an umpire
#29 by hvpl on Monday, 7 May 2012 - 12:11 pm
YB Lim Kit Siang,
Why else did Parliament stop to clock to shoo in all those amended laws, the SOA, in particular?
So that Ops Lallang v2.0 will be legitimate!
I pray that all our good leaders will remain safe.