Bersih has long battled allegations of partisanship towards the federal opposition, but may face a greater challenge of convincing the public of its independence as speculation grows that its chairperson may contest in the coming general election.

Maria Chin Abdullah announced yesterday that she has been in talks to run as a parliamentary candidate in the 14th general election, while PKR Women's chief Zuraida Kamaruddin has admitted to making the offer two weeks ago.

Should Maria decide to wade into partisan politics, Bersih steering committee member Jay Jay Dennis said, the electoral reform group is well-prepared to face heightened criticism that it is “pro-opposition”.

“That (kind of criticism) is bound to happen if your leader steps into politics. I wouldn’t be surprised. But we have dealt with this for a long time.

“Our campaigns are supported by opposition politicians, and thus we have often been labelled as an opposition-friendly group,” Dennis told Malaysiakini when contacted...