Voters in state constituencies should not be punished for voting the opposition parties in those states, Bersih said in a statement.
It urged the Sarawak government to provide equal allocation of RM5 million to all assembly representatives, including those from the DAP and PKR.
Bersih also called on Malaysians to sign a petition led by Ann Teo, the chairman of Bersih Sarawak, demanding fair allocation of funding to all elected assembly representatives in the state.
They can sign the petition at https://tinyurl.com/NoPartyDiscrimination.
Bersih also urged Barisan Nasional-led state governments in Perlis and Pahang and the PAS-led state governments in Kelantan and Terengganu to implement the same policy of equal allocation to all assembly representatives.
Bersih said it could not accept the justification provided by Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail that allocations to opposition assembly representatives would depend on the availability of state funds.
The NGO said it could also not accept the reason given by Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg that funds would be allocated to opposition representatives if they were to join the party leading the state assembly.
“Such clear bias at the state legislative assembly is tantamount to the oppression of voters who have voted in opposition representatives by punishing these voters for exercising their constitutional right to vote for candidates and political parties freely. This undermines the citizen’s right to vote which is protected under Article 119 of the Federal Constitution.
“Bersih 2.0 congratulates the other state assemblies for embracing a new beginning and granting opposition assemblymen funding to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of citizens, especially the Johor state assembly for granting equal funding to all assemblymen.”
Bersih welcomed the statement by Ayer Hitam parliamentarian and MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong that he would write officially to Wan Rosdy and Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man to give equal allocation to all state assembly representatives in their respective states.
Bersih called on the federal and state governments “to rise above party politics and put the interest and wellbeing of all residents, citizens and voters above all else”.
“Chief ministers and menteris besar must consider their constituents when exercising their powers in these capacities and not prioritise party or political interests.”