SHAH ALAM – It was just a press conference by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) to address former prime minister’s pardon decision as well as #Reformasi100percent but there was a heightened police presence at the steering committee’s office.
"Long time no see. How is the reform movement going? @saifnasution
"Heavy police presence at Bersih office following a press conference on Najib's pardon and #Reformasi100percent demands.
"Is intimidation really the message that the Madani government wants to send? Bersih said in X, while tagging Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s official account.
An X user @flintflan said: "Reformasi is officially ReformaTi. Regardless of proclamation ‘We do not compromise!’ Would be curious to see this clarion call being used when the next GE comes along with DSAI (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), DNAA, and DSNR (Najib) on the same stage.”
Another user @Arveena03 also left a comment stating: " PH, I hope that you know, it will be a total mockery of your supporters if you start intimidating the activists.”
In a press release by Bersih earlier today, the committee expressed disappointment over recent setbacks in reform initiatives, including discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) in corruption cases and reduced sentences for Najib.
They demanded urgent structural reforms, stressing the need for progress in electoral reform and anti-corruption measures within the current government's remaining mandate.
"The government's four-year term must not pass without significant reforms. Bersih vows to mobilise people and grassroots movements to demand accountability and full realisation of the Reform Agenda amidst Malaysia's critical democratic transition.
"Bersih stands ready to mobilise the public if necessary, emphasising the importance of holding those in power accountable and pushing for comprehensive structural reforms to address electoral reform and anti-corruption measures during Malaysia's democratic transition,” said Bersih in the press release.
The Pardons Board announced last week that the former prime minister's 12-year prison term has been halved, and he is scheduled for release on Aug 23.
Along with the early release, Najib's fine has been reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.