MARIA Chin Abdullah has told her critics not to confuse her entry into politics with the electoral reform group’s work.

The former Bersih 2.0 chairman said her decision is not influenced by anyone, and critics should rethink what they have to say as she and Bersih are separate entities.

“The decision to contest is my own, and it cannot be lumped together with Bersih. Bersih’s agenda is very clear – it wants free and fair elections,” she said in response to a barrage of criticism from Barisan Nasional over her decision.

She said Bersih has never been biased against or favoured any political party throughout its fight.

“Whenever we have functions, we invite both BN and the opposition. Those who support the Bersih agenda will turn up.

“So, if the opposition supports our agenda, they will come. Not the other way around. Like BN, they did not support us, so they did not come.

“It’s a separate issue (Maria and Bersih). Just because I am joining politics, it does not mean Bersih has become a political party or ‘kuda tunggangan’ (operative) of any political party.”

Federal Territory BN Youth chief Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii, in a statement today, accused Maria of being the opposition’s operative.

He said Bersih is being used as a “kuda tunggangan” to cause chaos in the country.

“Many Bersih followers are influenced by the civil society agenda that champions the basic rights of free and fair elections. At the same time, they accuse the Election Commission and federal government of gerrymandering to remain in power.”

He said Maria’s decision proves that her fights with the group leaned towards the opposition.

Maria, who officially resigned as Bersih chairman yesterday, has announced that she will run in a parliamentary seat in the 14th general election.

She said she will use a seat in Parliament to push the civil society agenda.

“I would prefer a parliamentary seat. It is at the federal level, where laws are passed. Nothing less than a parliamentary seat.

“If they (Pakatan Harapan) don’t give (me) a (federal) seat, I will not contest,” she said at a press conference to announce her exit from the electoral watchdog. – March 7, 2018.