The power of NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs) can be seen in how Bersih prevented the government from handing out “duit raya” during its Aidilfitri open house event in Kuala Kubu Baharu ahead of the by-election.

However, Bersih executive director Ooi Kok Hin stressed that there’s a need for the Election Commission (EC) to have another body to enforce election laws as NGOs lack enforcement power.

“There’s only so much we can do...