THE new Bersih steering committee will meet soon to discuss its plans moving forward after the abrupt resignation of its chairman, Thomas Fann, yesterday.

Deputy chairman Wong Kan Ye told The Malaysian Insight that the electoral watchdog will inform the media of its decisions.

“We will have a meeting soon and will (convey to the press) our collective decision and plans moving forward. Thank you for your concern,” said Wong.

A source told The Malaysian Insight that the meeting would take place tonight but did not disclose the venue.

Fann yesterday announced his resignation, citing what he perceived as a vote of no-confidence from the reform group’s endorsing civil society groups.

Fann had won the seat uncontested for another term on the steering committee polls just 10 days ago.

He said he had had time to reflect, and it had become clear to him that his efforts to evolve Bersih into a “people’s institution” were rejected by the majority of the endorsing civil society groups of Bersih.

In a letter to the steering committee and NGOs, he noted that the five contested positions of deputy chair, treasurer, and three committee member posts were won by all four candidates led by Wong who had ran against the team that Fann had put forward.

In a note to the press yesterday, Fann said he would stay as chairman for two months or until his successor is elected, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership 

“I am committed to a smooth handover,” he said.

“Meanwhile, I will be acting in a caretaker mode, not deciding on any major financial and policy decisions for Bersih.” – November 20, 2023.