Bersih 2.0 appalled by incidents in K Kangsar, Sg Besar
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.
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