Hindu rights group Hindraf said it welcomed Bersih 3.0's efforts and the planned rally on April 28 as a "continued push for change" and that it was in line with the organisation's own objectives.

HRP N ganesan "We welcome the initiative taken by Bersih to continue to push for changes to the electoral process in Malaysia.

"This is in line with Hindraf's primary objectives of seeking fundamental changes, so the skewed and racist system that caused the marginalisation of the Indian poor may be corrected," said Hindraf's national adviser N Ganesan ( right ).

In a statement today, he called the upcoming rally "history slowly working itself out in our midst".

However, he tempered enthusiasm over the movement with concern over "certain paradigmatic oversights in the process".

He said the present system was leading to the disenfranchisement of minorities including the Indian community.

"This fundamental issue of the disenfranchisement of minorities is a direct result of the working of our democratic system.

"Many will argue this is not the case - but fail to explain why all the minority groups in the country are faring poorly in most socio-economic terms," said Ganesan.

Going beyond basic reform

He said Hindraf hopes that Bersih will take note of the "serious systemic weaknesses and address them in the true spirit of reform".

NONE "Reform is not only about better procedures, it is very much about a better system," he said.

He added that a truly democratic system is one that allows "minorities a voice of their own, to articulate their distinct concerns and seek redress, and lay the basis for a deliberative democracy".

"Reforms should also target progressive goals such as these," he said.

Last Tuesday, Bersih 2.0 co-chairperson S Ambiga ( left ) announced that Bersih 3.0 will be held in Dataran Merdeka in the capital city on April 28, with the theme ‘duduk bantah' (sit-down protest).

The move follows what they call the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform's failure to address the coalition's key demands for electoral reform, including issues related to postal voting, election offences, and measures to end dirty politics.