Bersih will back tribunal ‘witnesses’

Bersih co-chairperson assures the people that the NGO would fully back the “witnesses” if they were to be sued for defamation.

Alfian ZM Tahir, FMT

Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga has firmly stated that legal aid will be provided to any “witnesses” who “testified” during the People’s Tribunal should they receive any defamation suit.

The prominent lawyer also highlighted that Bersih would back the “witnesses” on what was said during the tribunal.

“We will provide legal aid. I believe we have said this even before the tribunal started. If anyone receives a defamation suit, Bersih will assist those in need,” Ambiga told FMT.

Ambiga then continued by saying that the best move was to tell the truth and she was hoping that the tribunal would create greater awareness among the public whom she believed had more proof of what transpired during the general election.

“I’m aware about the possibility of defamation suit. But it is all about telling the truth and that is the best defence.

“The tribunal is a good avenue for ordinary citizens to air their dissatisfaction and allegations,” she said, referring to P Rajamah who bravely spoke up about her son’s death in yesterday’s proceeding.

FMT earlier reported that those “testifying” before Bersih’s People’s Tribunal could spark a legal backlash of defamation and other civil suits, and possibly charged with sedition as according to legal experts.

Civil Liberties lawyer Syahredzan Johan and legal expert Dr Azmi Sharom concurred that unlike the Royal Commission Inquiry (RCI) and Suhakam inquiry, the Bersih’s tribunal was without any legal standing, and the “witnesses” were without immunity.