YBAM supports Bersih’s 8 Demands for Just and Fair Policies

The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) views the launching of Bersih 3.0 positively and supports fully the request to the government to implement the eight demands of Bersih before the 13th general election. Among the eight demands are: clean the electoral roll, reform the postal ballot system, use of indelible ink, free and fair access to media, minimum 21 days campaigning period, consolidate and strengthen public institutions, stop corruption and abuse of power and put an end to dirty political tricks.

In the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the Buddha proposed to the kings then on ways to become wise rulers and manage their countries well. In the “Agama Sutra” the Buddha also taught the kings the seven ways to protect their nations which advocated democracy and safeguarding the benefits of the people.

Buddhism is a worldly religion, therefore, Buddhists will not only show concern on social current issues, they should also be part and parcel of the movement to promote national stability and harmony. We are Buddhists but first and foremost, we are citizens of this country. A nation will decline and the people will suffer. As we are part and parcel of the country and as citizens of this land, when we can no longer protect and safeguard the country well, our homes and nation are doomed to fall and our fellow countrymen will sink.

Buddhist teachings talked about “Four Great Graces” and one of the great graces is to repay our gratitude to the nation because it nurtures us and provides us a place to live and work. Our reciprocation is to make the nation grow healthily with just and fair development.

The YBAM is of the opinion that it is important to implement the reform on election system as soon as possible. Our nation could only proceed towards true democracy where welfare of the people could be safeguarded and freedom could be taken seriously under a fair and just system.