The forthcoming Bersih 5 rally is needed in light of concerns over the Election Commission's ongoing redelineation exercise, PKR women's wing chief Zuraida Kamaruddin says.

"The EC has proposed an additional 13 state seats in Sabah to bring the number of seats to 73.

"Sabah is a state known as an entry point for illegal migrants and these are the people who would be bringing their 'Malaysian identification card' on the polling day," Zuraida said in a statement today, alluding to claims of phantom voters being allowed to vote.

With the additional seats, Zuraida (photo) further claimed, the BN has indirectly "sold Malaysia" to foreigners and the people could not do anything until it was too late.

"With there being foreigners holding Malaysian ICs, it would not be a surprise if one day our Parliament will also be 'coloured' by foreigners," she said.

Zuraida said this in pledging support for electoral reform coalition Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah, whom she described as a national heroine.

While under pressure, said Zuraida, Maria never faltered from leading the movement that called for clean and fair elections as its main reform agenda.

Maria had yesterday announced that the fifth instalment of Bersih's mega rally would be held in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 19, preceded by a seven-week nationwide convoy across 246 cities, towns and villages.

Following the announcement, Gerakan Merah movement leader Mohd Ali Baharom, who is also known as Ali Tinju, declared he would organise another "butt exercise" session outside Maria's home.

Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Yunos has also repeatedly warned of a face-off between his own red shirts crew and Bersih supporters.