Ambiga: Bersih 4.0 if EC does not halt redelineation exercise

Bersih 4.0, presumably another mammoth rally for electoral reform, will become a "must" if the Election Commission does not halt the redelineation exercise.

Expressing this Bersih 2.0 stand today, the watchdog's co-chairperson Datuk S. Ambiga said that that may be the only way that the voices of the public and civil society can be heard.

"If it has to be, yes. This is truly (a) serious (matter)."

"If they insist on proceeding with the redelineation without cleaning the electoral roll we don't rule out bersih 4.0 because if that's the only way they are going to listen to us, then that's what we have to do," Ambiga told reporters at a Bar Council seminar on post GE13 electoral reforms.

Ambiga said that the electoral watchdog group was first planning on having an education campaign on the implications of the redelineation, or redrawing of electoral boundaries.

"We must educate first...they may respond... and actually clean up the roll but I'm not holding my breath."

Asked when such a rally may be held, Ambiga said there was no date set yet.

"If they do (go through with it). We will. We will have to. Because they are just not listening. Full stop," she said.

Based on Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, a re-delineation can be done at least eight years following the last exercise. The last redrawing of electoral boundary was done in 2003.

In 2011, was postponed for "preparations for the 13th general election."

EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar was quoted as saying a study will begin by the end of this year and will be completed within two-year period.