Zahid's DNAA: Bersih planning its own reform 'campaign'

Yet another group is planning its own "campaign" in response to controversy over prosecutors withdrawing corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Bersih said that while it respects others right to protest peacefully, it wants to preserve its own independence.

"We welcome any efforts of political parties to push for good governance and institutional reforms and support their rights to hold peaceful protests but we all will plan our own campaign and collaborate where we can if it does not compromise our independence," Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann told Malaysiakini last night.

Fann (above) said this when asked whether Bersih would be joining Perikatan Nasional's protest over the Zahid case on Sept 16.

Besides PN, Muda has also said it was planning to organise a protest in collaboration with civil society organisations.

It is unclear if Bersih will be cooperating with Muda on their protest.

Meanwhile, the Red Shirts group led by Umno leader Jamal Md Yunos - who used to be Bersih's main antagonist - is planning a counterprotest against the one organised by PN.

Last week, prosecutors withdrew 47 corruption charges against Zahid in the Yayasan Akalbudi case, leading to the court granting the Umno president a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).

The Attorney-General's Chambers argued that the move was to allow for further investigations and to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

Prosecutors had already established a prima facie case, and the trial was at the defence stage when the charges were withdrawn.

Critics have alleged government interference in the matter, a charge Putrajaya denies.

Previously, Bersih had called on the AGC to review the DNAA for Zahid, which it said was unacceptable.

It also urged the government to give a clear timeline of when it would separate the office of the attorney-general and public prosecutor.

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