THE government must have zero tolerance for the assassination attempt on human rights lawyer Siti Kasim,  electoral watchdog Bersih said.

In a statement, Bersih said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must make it clear that he will not allow violence to becomes part of the political culture.

“Bersih condemns in the strongest terms the attempt on lawyer-activist Siti Zabedah Kasim’s life through the planting of an improvised explosive device (IED),” it said, referring to the activist by her real name.

“Even though it is still uncertain whether the motivation is political, business or personal, the attempt on Siti should be classified as ‘violence against human rights defenders and professionals’, as happens commonly to politicians, lawyers, journalists and other professionals working on public interests in authoritarian countries,” it said.

Last week Siti reported on social media that object resembling a homemade explosive device had been strapped to her car.

The lawyer, in a live video on Facebook, said the device was discovered when she sent her vehicle to be serviced in Bangsar.

Brickfields district police chief Amihizam Abdul Shukor confirmed the device found under Siti’s car was an IED, or improvised explosive device

According to Bersih, it was not the first time an assassination attempt was made on a human rights activist in Malaysia.

Bersih cited the death of  Bill Kayong of Sarawak – an indigenous rights activist who was murdered by a hired killer in 2016.

“Previously, Bersih’s former chairperson, Maria Chin Abdullah received (threatening letters) with bullet and blood.

“The government must make sure that Siti Kasim does not become another Bill Kayong and provide her with bodyguards upon her request. We applaud the police for handling this seriously but such violence will only cease if the perpetrators and abettors are caught, charged and convicted.”

“Stopping violence targeting human rights defenders and professionals is the duty of all parties, politicians, civil society groups and opinion leaders.”

“Once this comes to be seen as a convenient way to silence dissents and critics, anyone (could be) the next victim.” – July 24, 2023.