Election watchdog Bersih 2.0 has urged the police to investigate all incidents of political violence as they have reached to an alarming stage.
The Malaysian police recently announced that a total of 1,056 cases of political violence have been recorded since the dissolution of Parliament on April 3, with 387 cases recorded on nomination day.
“This is highly uncalled for. Disagreements should be resolved amicably without resorting to threats or violence of any kind,” said Bersih 2.0’s Special Committee on Code of Conduct co-chairperson Irene Fernandez.
Bersih 2.0 also condemned all forms of political violence, calling on all candidates and political parties to be transparent, accountable and non-violent in all their campaigning activities.
“Malaysians should be able to expect no less than for them to uphold the highest possible standard of ethical behaviour,” said Fernandez.
Among the cases including in Penang where an explosion had occurred in Nibong Tebal during a BN ceramah on April 23, injuring a man. A bomb was also found near the BN operations centre in the same constituency.
In Kelantan, there was also a report of an incident where a stall owner was stabbed after he refused to allow political parties to put up their flags at his shop.
Besides that, there were also incidents of media practitioners allegedly threatened by party workers including a cameraman being beat up and a journalist being punched by a group of bikers.
Early this month, Bersih 2.0 warned all political parties contesting in GE13 to stay clear of smear campaigns and other unethical practices, failure of which would result in their names being ‘blacklisted’.
The group also launched a code of conduct for participants of the elections as well as the caretaker government where the code detailed conditions such as a prohibition of hostile speech, smear campaigns, intimidation and violence.
Bersih 2.0 also urged all parties to respect the freedom of journalists and election observers to carry out their duties.
Yesterday, Political analyst Professor Dr Azmi Sharom said police should take the issue of political violence more seriously.
Another political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, also echoed Azmi’s opinion.
Mohammad Agus said it’s about time the authorities take the appropriate action against those who are involved.
He added that political violence should be avoided to provide the chance for people to choose the best government to run the country for another five years.
Haider Yutim
Thu Apr 25 2013
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.