Gerakan losing direction, failing as opposition - Bersih hits back

Summary

• Bersih accuses Gerakan of abandoning its founder, Syed Hussein Alatas' vision and failing as an effective opposition.

• Bersih rejects Gerakan's claims that it had lost focus, highlighting its ongoing anti-corruption and reform efforts.

Electoral watchdog Bersih has criticised Gerakan for straying from the vision of its founder and failing to uphold its role as an effective opposition.

Taking to X, Bersih chairperson Faisal Aziz argued that, instead, it was Bersih that embraced the principles of one of Gerakan’s founders, Syed Hussein Alatas, particularly his commitment to eradicating corruption.

“Today, I do not see his (Syed Hussein’s) ideas inspiring Gerakan, especially in becoming an opposition force that acts as a check and balance by proposing fresh ideas to combat corruption.

“This is especially evident when their coalition partner, Perikatan Nasional, recently showed solidarity with kleptocrats,” Faisal posted on X.

His remarks yesterday were in response to Gerakan president Dominic Lau, who accused Bersih of losing focus and deviating from its goals as an NGO.

Lau claimed the group is now less aggressive compared to during the BN administration before the 14th general election.

Rebutting these claims, Faisal highlighted his admiration for Syed Hussein’s writings.

“I highlighted Syed Hussein’s vision of the importance of citizens, particularly students, rising against the scourge of corruption.

“In February last year, Bersih organised the Himpunan Reformasi 100 percent in front of Parliament, demanding the Madani government implement structural reforms to end corruption.

“We remain steadfast in criticising and condemning misconduct by any government, regardless of who the prime minister is,” he concluded.

Previously, Bersih gave the government a “D” grade in a mid-term evaluation last November, citing its failure to implement significant institutional reforms.

In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the critique and expressed confidence that his administration could achieve better progress in implementing reforms over time.

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