Wan Ahmad: NGOs should not fight for political parties

(The Star) – Political parties are exploiting the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih), said Election Commission deputy chairman Datuk Wira Wan Ahmad Wan Omar.

He said non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should know better than to allow political parties to make use of them for cheap propaganda.

“The EC had given detailed explanations to every point and issue raised by (Bersih organiser) Datuk S. Ambiga and other NGOs during a dialogue held last year.

“If the NGOs still feel strongly about certain matters, they should push for amendments to the existing laws and regulations, instead of taking matters to the street for cheap political mileage,” he said.

Wan Ahmad was responding to Bersih’s insistence that they would continue with the July 9 rally.

Wan Ahmad said the EC was looking into reforming the postal vote system.

“On political corruption, we have explained to Ambiga which authority plays a pivotal role, and the EC, MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) and the police are working closely to check such activities.”

He added that the NGOs should not allow themselves to be used by irresponsible political leaders.

“NGOs should fight in the interest of democracy, not in the interest of political parties,” Wan Ahmad said.

“The fact that Pakatan Rakyat won five states in the last election, and DAP won many seats in the recent Sarawak election shows that the electoral process is free and fair.”