The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has
called for all political parties in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar to adopt the
spirit of clean, free and fair elections.
“All candidates and political parties
must take responsibility in setting higher standards for democracy and
political maturity as these are in line with the aspirations of the people,”
said the NGO in a statement today.
Bersih 2.0 was reiterating its earlier demand for candidates
and political parties to abide by its Code of Conduct and the Caretaker
Government Guidelines throughout the election period.
In any election campaign, added the election watchdog, it
was necessary for campaigns to be civil.
“It will be more useful for candidates
and political parties to focus on crucial public interest issues, such as the
1MDB scandal, weakening economy, and deteriorating civil rights as well as
local voters’ concerns,” said the Bersih 2.0 statement.
It was commenting on the ongoing by-election campaigns in
Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar. It said that it was appalled by what was going
on in the two parliamentary seats.
In particular, said Bersih 2.0, several incidents in the
past few days have contributed to a negative political and campaign
environment.
According to the NGO, these included the vandalising of
campaign materials and candidate’s election operation room; a sexist remark by
independent candidate Izat Bukhary (Kuala Kangsar) who said he was contesting
because he “did not trust” women leaders; and name-calling by PAS supporters
during Nomination Day who said Amanah members were “Pengkhianat” (traitors) and
it was necessary to “Kuburkan Kufor” (bury the non-believers).
Other incidents included the disruption of a Pakatan Harapan
ceramah in Kuala Kangsar where protesters claimed the talk had affected their
prayers, and political messages that added to an unhealthy campaign atmosphere
such as a billboard in Sekinchan that was taken down after heavy criticism.
Source –FMT-
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