The Penang Bersih 5 contingent, consisting of a broad base of civil society organisations and individuals including representatives of Ikram, Aliran, Suaram, Hindraf, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) and Amal Relief Malaysia (Arif), are pleased to announce a week of Bersih 5 activities in Penang.
The activities on 8-15 October are part of the lead up to the Bersih 5 rally on 19 November in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
The five demands of Bersih 5 are:
- Ensure clean and fair elections – for a free choice of who we want as our government
- Ensure clean government – so that we have honest leaders who serve the people’s interest and not enrich their own pockets.
- Uphold parliamentary democracy – to improve law-making that monitors the government and represents the people’s wishes.
- Uphold the right to dissent – so that we can express our opinions and not get arrested for having different opinions.
- Empower Sabah and Sarawak – so that they enjoy equal development and rights
These demands clearly reflect the needs of the country at this time.
From the north, the Bersih 5 torch, which has travelled through Perlis and Kedah, will make its way to mainland Penang on 8 October and subsequently to the island during the week. There will be a number of activities on both the island and the mainland during this time including flashmobs, leafleting at night markets, photo exhibitions and public talks.
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The public are cordially invited to the following public talks:
- Monday, 10 October at 8pm at Bandar Perda Uptown, organised by Bukit Mertajam DAP branch.
- Friday, 14 October at 7.30pm at Silver Jubilee Hall, Sungai Nibong, Penang, organised by Suaram and Aliran.
- Friday, 14 October at 9pm at Dewan Sungai Dua, Butterworth, organised by Penang PKR information bureau.
- Sunday, 23 October at 9pm at Masjid Bukit Gedung, organised by Bayan Baru PKR branch.
Bersih 5 T-shirts will be made available for sale at RM20 at all the public talks.
The Bersih 5 torch will leave the island on 15 October and meet the Perak Bersih 5 contingent at Parit Buntar, where it will continue its journey.
Bersih 5 needs support from all Malaysians. Now, more than ever before, concerned citizens of Malaysia must come together in unity to fight against corruption, greed and injustice. Money has been stolen from the Malaysian people. Money, which could have gone to meeting the needs of the people, has ended up in certain people’s bank accounts.
Laws (such as the National Security Council Act) that are repressive and unconstitutional have been enacted. Re-delineation of seats has been done in such a way that would result in lopsided representation of the people in legislative bodies. A climate of extremism is pervading across the country. We must all stand up to contest and challenge this.
The struggle for a better Malaysia will need all of us to get on board to protect our basic freedoms and uphold democratic principles. Support Bersih 5 and make your way to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching on 19 November
Bersih 5 is also supported by the following civil society groups in Penang: Penang Forum, Women’s Centre for Change (WCC), Citizens for Public Transport (Cepat), Tanjung Bungah Residents Association (TBRA), Friends of Penang Botanic Garden Society (FOPBGS) and the Students Progressive Front Universiti Sains Malaysia (SPFUSM).
Besides this, the political parties so far supporting the Penang Bersih 5 campaign are PKR, DAP, Amanah and PSM.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme