“By default, I will be taking over from Maria. I have done it before during the time she was detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 amid the Bersih 5 rally.
“We know what to do and we will not let the years of struggle go to waste.”
Shahrul said Maria’s decision came as no surprise as the Bersih committee had been prepared for her departure even before the announcement was made.
When asked how he felt about taking over as chairman from Maria, Shahrul said he was backed by the people.
“Making changes isn’t just something that Bersih wants on its own. All those who have been in support of institutional reforms and clean and fair elections have proven that Bersih is not fighting alone.
“It is the support and willingness of Malaysians that has proven its relevance and reason for existence.”
Asked also if Bersih would be affected by Maria leaving the committee, Shahrul said the existing committee members were prepared to keep Bersih intact.
Political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff from Universiti Utara Malaysia meanwhile said Maria must draw a line between activist work and politics.
“These two things cannot mix as contesting in the general election will mean Maria joining a political party – whether she officially joins a party or contests under the Pakatan Harapan ticket.
“Bersih 2.0 was set up as a non-partisan and non-governmental organisation to fight for clean and fair elections.
“With Maria becoming a politician, it means that she will no longer be deemed as non-partisan.”
Kamarul added that Shahrul leading the organisation in Maria’s stead would be able to neutralise perceptions that Bersih is a “pro-Chinese” NGO.
“Bersih 2.0 will then be able to reach out to other races, especially the Malays,” he said.
Maria announced on Sunday that she was quitting the election reform body to contest in the 14th general election.
It has been speculated that she will replace either PKR vice-president Tian Chua in the Batu parliamentary constituency or his party colleague, Hee Loy Sian, in Petaling Jaya Selatan.
Ambiga: It’ll just be different platform for Maria to push reforms