COMMENT It looks like it is one step backward, two steps forward for the powers-that-be.

In a diametric reversal of renowned communist-style maneuvering tactics, the government has withdrawn the controversial Election Offences Amendments Bill in apparent placation of Bersih supporters.

This is a step back from frontal positions taken up before the electoral reform advocacy group staged its protest of April 28 that ended in clashes between sections of the crowd and police.

The apparent sop to Bersih and its supporters was negated by two steps the government announced yesterday whose effect was to push the movement for polls reform back on its heels...