In a statement today, Bersih said government parties should compete on policies, performance and fulfillment of manifesto promises rather than using incumbency to discriminate against opposition lawmakers, candidates and voters.

“New Malaysia is hollow without this paradigm shift which PH must spearhead instead of politics as usual,” said Bersih.

It reminded Lim on PH’s promise to guarantee the welfare of all Malaysians and that no one should be left behind in any development.

It said any hint of withholding development for Cameron Highlands smacked of discrimination and could be an offence under Section 9 of the Election Offences Act 1954.

Bersih called for a level playing field for all candidates.

“We urge all parties who are campaigning to adhere to the existing laws with regard to elections as well as demonstrate higher ethical standards when it comes to the use of its power as an incumbent federal or state government.

“Just because something may not be illegal does not necessarily make it right or fair.

“Negative campaigning like personal attacks on candidates, the creating of disharmony using ethnicity and religion, the threat of violence and the withholding of aid and development should be avoided as some of these are election offences,” it said.

Bersih reminded PH of the previous ruling party’s “You help me, I help you” style of campaigning, which it said was an abuse of their incumbency.

It said PH should not disappoint Malaysians by morphing into “BN 2.0” by resorting to unethical campaign methods.