Bersih 2.0 Fresh Publicity Campaign in Johor
Media Statement
by Friends of Suaram (FOS) Working Committee Johor
17 November 2011
Of late, Bersih 2.0 steering committee, through the media statement titled “Implement 8 demands before GE-13”, urges non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in all states to jointly form a non-partisan working committee in each state, so that the campaign for “8-point demand for electoral reform” could be expanded to every nook and corner, covering urban and rural areas in all states.
Friends of Suaram (FOS) Working Committee Johor, as an active grassroots organization working for democracy and human rights, in response to such call, took the initiative to convene a meeting on 16 November 2011 of non-governmental groups, political parties and individuals striving for democracy and human rights. In the meeting, Johor Bersih 2.0 Liaison Committee was formed, and devised a plan to extend the campaign of the “8-point demand for electoral reform” to the urban and rural areas in the State of Johore.
A non-partisan State Liaison Committee
Johor Bersih 2.0 Liaison Committee was formed in accordance with the principle of non-partisanship laid down by the Bersih 2.0 Steering Committee. The objective of Bersih 2.0 is to strive for “clean and fair elections”. It lays emphasis on the non-partisanship of the organsation as well as its activities basically on the following grounds:
1. The federal and state elections affect the national interests and the interests of the people across the country. Representatives elected by the people determine the nature of the federal government and the state governments. They determine and dominate the lives of the people. The “rules of the game” for parliamentary elections were introduced by the British colonial power and inherited by us’ They have allowed the Alliance (and later BN) to stay in power for more than half a century. In normal circumstances, the unity, common wishes and the resolute action of the people are the motive force and the deciding factors that determine the future of the country.
2. Political parties in our parliamentary system represent the interests of a particular community, class or a special interest group. They are political organisations that exist and develop for the purpose of seizing political power or for strengthening it. Every party has its own party line and agenda. The BN ruling parties will try to prolong their rule and strengthen their political power, whereas the political parties in the opposition camp will try to seize power. Therefore, the power struggle between the political divide is a life and death confrontation.
In the struggle for political power, the internal conflict among the BN member parties will inevitably appear. There is also conflict within Pakatan Rakyat, and the conflict between Pakatan and other opposition parties will also take place. Consequently, to ensure clean and fair elections, the partisan agenda ought to give way to the common interests and aspirations of the people, so that the popular campaign is able to enlist massive support and full co-operation from all.
3）Bersih 2.0 is a coalition of a large group of NGOs aimed at bringing about clean and fair elections. It has no intention to seize political power or to control state power. This is because NGOs stand in contrast to the state power. The nature and position of NGOs do not vary with the change of government: they will always be with the people and for the people. The 709 rally amply showed that the position taken by NGOs( that is, they are always “with the people” and ever willing to “serve the people”) is well-received and accepted by all communities and by people from all walks of life. Their movement appeals to the people of all ethnic groups, social classes, political parties and religions. NGOs are acceptable to all political parties and religious groups. Maintaining independence and autonomy is the surest way to win the trust and support of the people at large.
Composition of the “Johor Bersih 2.0 Liaison Committee”
The “Johor Bersih 2.0 Liaison Committee” comprises the following members as at present:
1. Johor Bersih 2.0 - represented by Fang Pei Fen (Tel：016-7782707)
2. Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor – represented by V.P. Mohan (Tel: 017-7540597 )
3. IKRAM Johor - represented by Dr.Hj.Ali bin Abd Rahman (Tel: 012-7711740)
4. Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM) Johor - represented by Mohd Nasir bin Prayitno
(Tel: 012-7501750)
5. Friends of Suaram (FOS) Working Committee Johor – represented by Nyam Kee Han
(Tel: 017-7696713)
6. LLG Cultural Development Centre (Johor Bahru Committee) (Representative will be decided soon)
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| From left: V.P Mohan(representative of Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor), Fang Pei Fen (representative of Johor Bersih 2.0), Nyam Kee Han (representative of Friends of Suaram (FOS) Working Committee Johor), Dr.Hj.Ali bin Abd Rahman (representative of IKRAM Johor), Mohd Nasir bin Prayitno (representative of Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM) Johor) |
The Liaison Committee will take on the task of immediately launching the publicity campaign to “Implement 8 demands before GE-13” across the whole of Johor State. The Committee welcomes participation of all NGOs, political parties and patriotic individuals in the state, so long as they subscribe to democracy and show concern for the future of the country, and are agreeable to the Bersih 2.0 demands and agenda for electoral reforms. The Committee hopes that they will join forces with us, regardless of colour, social class, religious belief, political affiliation and cultural background, to work towards achieving the long-term common goal of “8-point demand for electoral reform”。
Launching of publicity campaign and workshop in Johor Bahru on 3 December 2011
With a view to effectively conveying the message of Bersih 2.0 to the Johorians, the Liaison Committee has decided to launch a publicity campaign and conduct a workshop on the theme “Implement 8 demands before GE-13”. Particulars are as follows:
Workshop (Free admission, but registration required)
Date：13 December 2011(Saturday)Time：2:00pm – 6:00pm Venue: Convention Hall, 11@ Century Hotel. 94, Jalan Pelanduk, off Jalan Harimau, Century Gardens, Johor Bahru. Launching of publicity campaign
Date：13 December 2011(Saturday)Time: 8:30pm - 11:00pm Venue: Meeting room, 11@ Century Hotel ,94, Jalan Pelanduk, off Jalan Harimau, Century Gardens, Johor Bahru. The workshop will be conducted by the publicity personnel from Bersih 2.0. The training course involves the study of the details of publicity work and the skill of promoting electoral reforms. The Liaison Committee member are requested to send their representatives to participate in the workshop in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the relevant activities. Prospective participants may contact Ms Fang (016-7782707) for further information.
Bersih 2.0 chairperson Data Ambiga and 2 other representatives: Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist; and Hishammudin Rais, a well-known social activist will be invited to the launching of the publicity campaign and workshop. They will deliver speeches and answer questions from the floor. We welcome all groups and individuals to join us in a frank and open discussion of the issues regarding the electoral reform and the 13th General Election.
After launching the publicity campaign and workshop, Liaison Committee members will reach out to other NGOs and political parties in the state, so long as they are agreeable to the agenda of Bersih 2.0 for exchanging views. With the co-operation of all participants, we hope to devise a feasible and effective plan for publicity campaign. It is hoped that the publicity campaign for promoting Bersih 2.0 programme: “Implement 8 demands before GE-13” will reach every nook and corner of the State of Johor.
Friends of Suaram (FOS) Working Committee Johor
