BERSIH Press Statement: Audience With Agong

Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) expresses its utmost gratitude for the audience with His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong granted to its three representatives namely Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, Dato’ A. Samad Said dan Zaid Kamaruddin on July 5, 2011.

1. The Audience With His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Granted to the BERSIH 2.0 Representatives

BERSIH 2.0 appreciates the concern His Majesty has for the aspiration of the People to enjoy democracy and human rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

The BERSIH delegation has presented the following statements and positions to His Majesty:

1. BERSIH 2.0 accepts the offer made by the Government to have its rally in stadium. BERSIH 2.0 hopes that the Police will give cooperation to ensure the smooth running of the rally. A delegation of not more than 10 representatives shall submit a memorandum to His Majesty.
2. The Government must show good faith with the release of all detained including those detained under the Emergency Ordinance (EO) and stop applying pressure, harassment and obstacles to supporters of BERSIH 2.0.
3. The establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on reform of the electoral system and process.

2. Demands of BERSIH 2.0

BERSIH 2.0 is a legal coliation because it comprises legally registered organisations and entities.

BERSIH 2.0 demands:

1. That a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) with a membership of calibre and representative of all stakeholders will be established to study the shortcomings of the current electoral system and process, and to recommend measures of reform.
2. The current eight demands of BERSIH 2.0 to be met before 13th General Elections. The eight demands are:
   1. Clean the electoral roll
   2. Reform the postal ballot
   3. Use of indelible ink
   4. Minimum 21 days campaign period
   5. Free and Fair Access to Media
   6. Strengthen Public Institutions
   7. Stop Corruption
   8. Stop Dirty Politics
3. All those detained for supporting BERSIH 2.0 be released. Specifically, BERSIH 2.0 demands:
   1. All six leaders of Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM), including Member of Parliament Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, detained under Emergency Ordinance (EO) be released or charged in court immediately.
   2. Charges against those related to BERSIH 2.0 be withdrawn or dropped.
   3. Those who are still detained be released without conditions.
4. All harassment, threats, allegations and slanders against BERSIH 2.0 supporters be stopped. Specifically,
   1. People are allowed to wear yellow shirts.
   2. Efforts to organise a successful BERSIH 2.0 rally at the stadium are not hindered.
5. That the Royal Malaysian Police, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur or any other parties do not obstruct people from attending the BERSIH 2.0 Rally at Stadium Merdeka from 2-4pm on Jul 9 (Saturday). BERSIH 2.0 is prepared to cooperate with any party to ensure a rally that is peaceful and smooth.

3. Meeting with Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak

BERSIH 2.0 is working on meeting with Prime Minister YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak as soon as possible to discuss the demands above and other matters related to BERSIH 2.0.

Yours faithfully,

Steering Committee

Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0)

Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan (Chair), Andrew Khoo, Arul Prakkash, Arumugam K., Dr Farouk Musa, Haris Ibrahim, Liau Kok Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Dr Subramaniam Pillay, Dato’ Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dr Wong Chin Huat, Dato’ Yeo Yang Poh dan Zaid Kamaruddin.