Since its inception, the Bersih movement has been closely associated with the parties that form Pakatan Harapan, as they jointly pressed against the then-BN government for change.

Now with Harapan heading the government, Bersih’s critics have questioned the group’s sincerity in holding Putrajaya accountable such as when it held a protest last month over the slow pace of reforms.

However, Bersih chairperson Mohamad Faisal Abdul Aziz assured that when Bersih takes to the streets, it is not political theatre.

“There was a lot of perception (against us) when we marched on Parliament saying it was theatre (wayang) and whatnot.

“But what’s important is that we have proved (our resolve),” he said during an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini.

On Feb 27, around 100 Bersih protesters marched to the...