Bersih 2.0 co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan today questioned the Information Ministry for its silence over the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform report's recommendation fair media representation for all political parties.

"Has the Information Ministry come out to comment publicly (on this matter)? They can do it (implement the recommendation) now.

“They just need to pick up the phone (to issue a directive) and it will change the whole scenario," she said during a chat session in Bangsar organised by UndiMalaysia.

The government's refusal to act on even the simplest recommendation in the PSC report, she said, does not inspire confidence in its seriousness for reform.

"They say they are sincere about reform, I don't believe them, they are not doing the things that are so easy to do," she told some 50 mostly youths participants.

Though the Information Ministry has expressed willingness to allow fair access to media to all political parties in the PSC report, it is specified that this would apply only during elections.

"When you say access to media, it is not just about (election) advertising, when someone makes an accusation about somebody, they must be given the right to respond with equal prominence," said Ambiga.

'No crackdown expected for Bersih 3.0'

She added that the Election Commission too continues to behave like a government department when it fails, it claims to be helpless in addressing electoral flaws despite having the power to do so.

These half-hearted measures, she said, ultimately led to the decision for Bersih 3.0 rally scheduled to be held at Dataran Merdeka on Apr 28.

Asked why the movement has opted for a sit-in this time as opposed to the previous street demonstrations, Ambiga said this was to ensure that the event will be peaceful.

"But we will never know until the day comes," she added, confessing that she was "stunned" by the government and police crackdown on last year's July 9 Bersih 2.0 rally.

On claims that the event will disrupt people's livelihood, Ambiga said small businesses are already benefitting from the proposed rally.

We will ensure people make loads of money, people are already printing T-shirts with the Bersih logo and we will invite stalls to be set up at Dataran Merdeka," she said.