Send telegram to defend Ambiga, Bersih
A MIC leader’s suggestion to pressure the government to drop its legal actions against the Bersih leader is welcomed by NGO WargaAman and PKR vice-president N Surendran.
(FMT) – Disappointed with the continued harassment of Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga, a MIC leader has called on Malaysians to send a message to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
S Vell Paari suggested a telegram protest to get the point across and this was backed by NGO WargaAman and PKR vice-president N Surendran.
The MIC central working committee member said the issue had transcended political and racial boundaries.
According to Vell Paari, Ambiga and Bersih were fighting for free and fair elections and he found it difficult to digest the accusation that it was an attempt to topple the government.
“I know the critics will ask ‘why must MIC get involved in this?’ But I am making this call not as a member of MIC but on a personal note because I believe what they are doing is wrong.
“Demanding Ambiga to pay for the damages and to compensate for ‘overtime’ as well as for the food and drinks given to DBKL staff is downright ridiculous,” he told FMT.
Vell Paari said Bersih was given a police permit to hold the rally and the electoral watchdog did not erect the steel barriers outside Dataran Merdeka.
“So how can DBKL charge Ambiga for the barriers? When you have people like this, Barisan Nasional does not need enemies,” he added.
He also questioned why Ambiga and Bersih steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah were targeted and not others like national laureate A Samad Said, who was the co-chairperson of Bersih.
Vell Paari was responding to letter of demand from DBKL seeking more than RM350,000 from the two Bersih leaders with regard to the losses incurred during the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28.
Previously, the government demanded RM122,000 from Bersih for the damage to police vehicles during the rally.
Prior to that, disgruntled burger sellers set up a stall outside Ambiga’s residence to protest the losses suffered due to the Bersih 3.0 rally and this was followed by a vulgar aerobic exercise.
However, the Bersih chairperson refused to be intimidated and vowed to continue her struggle for free and fair elections.
Vell Paari said Malaysians should send a telegram, addressed to Najib to express their dissatisfaction over the harassment.
“I know this will ruffle the feathers of some people in power but I refuse to stand by and watch Ambiga being harassed for fighting for something she believes in. So the PM must intervene to stop this harassment,” he stressed.
“So go to your nearest post office and send the telegram; it is a small price to pay in return for Ambiga’s huge sacrifice,” he added.
