Maria wants nothing less than a parliamentary seat
(FMT) – Former Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah today said she would only stand as a candidate in a parliamentary seat, days after announcing her intention to quit the electoral reforms group to join active politics.
Maria said Parliament was the right place to press for the kind of issues championed by Bersih, including electoral reforms.
“I would prefer the Parliament,” she said, when asked if she would settle for a state seat.
“If you are talking about electoral reforms, it is the federal seat that can make the difference,” she told a press conference attended by fellow rights activists.
“If you are at the state level, how can you push for reforms for an alternative electoral system?”
Maria, who was detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) a day before the Bersih 5 rally in Kuala Lumpur, ended her chairmanship of Bersih yesterday.
In an immediate response, Maria’s former colleagues said they supported her decision to stand for elections.
“We express our best wishes to Maria in her foray into politics and we are delighted that she has said she will push, through legislation and policy changes, reform of the electoral system and of mature democracy,” said a statement from Bersih’s steering committee.
Maria said Pakatan Harapan (PH) had not offered her a seat at the moment.
“I will wait and see what they decide,” she added.
She said she had decided to stand as an independent to avoid getting involved with problems within a party, as well as to be able to speak freely.
“I should also be able to have the space to take my own position if there are certain controversial issues that need to be addressed,” she added.
Maria said she would stand under the PH banner as she does not want to force a multi-cornered contest.
“That’s why I have decided to stand under the PH banner, and abide by their manifesto.”
Meanwhile, Bersih deputy chairman Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari said the group would continue as a platform for the people.
“They supported the cause and we will continue to exist for as along as the rakyat want us to. Bersih was never about Maria or Ambiga, it has always been for the people,” he said, referring to Maria’s predecessor Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was also present today.
Activist Marina Mahathir, meanwhile, said Maria’s presence in politics offers a fresh perspective.
“She is not involved in politicking as how the parties are today. She will do good, as she has worked with grassroots and is familiar with them,” said the eldest daughter of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
