Bersih urges cops to probe all reports of political violence

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.