Democracy News

Following Protests, Malaysian Government Agrees to Electoral Reform
August 17, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On July 13, Voice of America reported that thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, to demand electoral reforms. The rally was organized by a collective of non-governmental organizations and activists called the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, or Bersih. The Bersih coalition declared its aim is to push for reforms of Malaysia's electoral system, which it claims is skewed in favor of the governing coalition. The word "bersih" means "clean" in the Malay language.

In response, the police locked down the center of the city. Traffic was allowed to leave, but nothing was allowed back inside the cordon. Protesters reportedly were beaten by baton-wielding police officers. More than 1,000 people were arrested, though most were quickly released. BBC News reported the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have all criticized the Malaysian government for the heavy handed police tactics employed against the protesters.

The Bersih protestors requested a longer campaign period before polling day, equal access to the media for all parties and accurate voter lists. The government stated that protestor chants were recognizable opposition slogans. According to the government, this is evidence of the Bersih coalition’s partisan agenda.

In an interview with the New York Times on August 8, Ambiga Sreenevasan, president of Bersih, stated that there is no need for more rallies until authorities address their concerns about improving electoral transparency. Ambiga also stated that the protests are “civil society-driven,” and not simply a tool of opposition parties.”  Ambiga added that Bersih has pledged that its campaign would continue and has called for people to wear yellow on Saturdays, “People keep saying, ‘What next?,’ but, quite frankly, I think the citizens have taken it upon themselves to organize things around the country using the yellow theme, the theme of democracy. What I think Bersih has achieved is the awakening.”

On August 16, the New York Times also reported that the Malaysian government announced it would establish a committee to review the country’s electoral system. In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Najib Razak said an independent committee of government and opposition representatives would be formed and noted that the government was “already taking steps to ensure elections are as fair as possible,” for example by introducing biometric fingerprinting of voters.

Ambiga responded by saying she “would like to give this process a chance.” Bersih also released a statement calling on the committee to submit a report within three months outlining changes to be implemented before the next election. It warned the government not to use the committee as a “delay tactic to stall electoral reforms,” the New York Times reported.

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy located in Southeast Asia. The head of state is an elected monarch chosen by rulers of the nine Malay states every five years. Nevertheless, political power resides on the elected Prime Minister which acts as head of the government

For previous news on Malaysia, please see:
Trial Begins for Malaysian Opposition Leader

Sources:
New York Times – A Reluctant Symbol for Electoral Reform in Malaysia

New York Times – Malaysia Opens Door to Changes in Electoral System

BBC News – Breezes of change in Malaysia

Voice of America – Malaysian Electoral Reformers Plan Next Steps After Protest Crackdown