ELECTION watchdog coalition Bersih 2.0 today unveiled its new office-bearers, with activist Thomas Fann its new chairman.

Fann, who is also chairman of citizens’ action group ENGAGE and a member of the Citizen Action Group on Enforced Disappearances (CAGED), said he would continue Bersih’s policy of engaging with the government even though Putrajaya was now under a new, pro-reform administration.

“We are very aware that this steering committee is post-GE14.

“However, Bersih is still Bersih. Our commitments are still the strengthening of our democratic institutions while being a watchdog for free-and-fair elections,” he said today when announcing the elected members of the steering committee for the 2018-2020 term in Petaling Jaya.

Fann said Bersih played an important role in the nation’s history in the last 10 years.

Bersih rallies over the years contributed to building public awareness about the need for political and institutional reforms.

On May 9, Malaysians voted out Barisan Nasional, which had been in power for six decades and elected a Pakatan Harapan government.

Others on the steering committee include secretary-general of Muslim Youth Movement Malaysia (Abim), Faisal Aziz, who is Bersih deputy chairman.

Two vice-chairmen, Ann Teo and Beverly Joeman, will represent Sarawak and Sabah, respectively.

Ngeow Chow Ying is the new treasurer and committee members are Ng Geok Chee and Alexzander Johnson. – October 30, 2018.