BERSIH 2.0 refers to a statement made by Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on January 21 at an officiating ceremony in Tien Hou Temple, Habu, Cameron Highlands. This was reported in a Malaysiakini report entitled “Let’s help each other, Pahang MB tells voters”.

It was reported that he told the audience that he does not want to promise anything with regard to temporary occupation licences, except that the local farmers’ lot would improve compared to what it is now.

“I hope you all understand that we are all friends. We want to help but you too must help. If we help each other that’s even better. But I don’t want to promise we can solve everything. You have to remember, if I can solve it, no problem! I will help,” he said.

He then urged the audience to vote for Barisan Nasional during polling day on January 26 because land matters are under the state government’s jurisdiction.

Bersih 2.0 views the alleged statement by Wan Rosdy with grave concern as he is reminding the voters in Cameron Highlands that as the MB, he has the power to decide on land matters. To a farming community such as Cameron Highlands, the security of land tenure is a matter of great importance as their livelihood depends on it.

Bersih 2.0 is of the view that political parties should not abuse their power as federal or state governments to turn incumbency into the basis for patronage to discriminate against constituencies that did not vote for their parties. Federal and state governments have a responsibility to discharge their duties to all citizens without bias and carry out their duties based on clear criteria and existing policies.

Wan Rosdy should also be reminded that such remarks could be deemed as undue influence, an election offence under Section 9 of the Election Offences Act 1954 or even an abuse of power as defined under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009.  

The offence under the Election Offences Act carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 2 years, RM5,000 fine or both, while the penalty for abuse of power carries a jail term of up to 20 years.

Bersih 2.0 urges Wan Rosdy to clarify his remarks and give assurance to voters in Cameron Highlands that he will carry out his duty as the menteri besar and work to resolve all outstanding issues, especially land issues, with whoever gets elected on polling day this coming January 26. Voters should not be subjected to such threats on their livelihood when casting their votes.

* This letter is issued by the Bersih 2.0 steering committee.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.