Analysts, however, believe the government is likely to be unfazed by it.
One-term Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah said the planned gathering was a “much awaited move” by the electoral reform group. She said it will set the tone for the current Dewan Rakyat sitting by reminding MPs that promised reforms are long overdue.
Maria, who will be at the rally, said it is vital that Parliament immediately sets into motion various reforms. These include passing into law a Political Finance Act, separating the office of Public Prosecutor from that of the Attorney-General, and limiting the prime minister’s term of office.
These are important issues, she said, and Bersih’s pursuit of them was one of necessity.
“As a reform-oriented government with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as its leader, I hope Bersih’s protest will be a wake-up call to reform.
“Anwar and his unity government must now decide if they want to speed up reform and stabilise the country,” Maria, a former Bersih chairman, told FMT.
‘Just a reminder’
James Chin of the University of Tasmania said although the gathering looks set to attract participants, it is unlikely to draw large crowds as previously since it does not seek to overthrow the government.
He attributed the huge turnouts in previous rallies to PAS’s ability to muster a crowd. However, this time around the Islamic party looks set to skip the event.
“The government will take note of the gathering, but they won’t worry too much about the rally. It’s just a reminder for Putrajaya to look into reforms,” said Chin.
‘Dramatising dissatisfaction’
Meanwhile, Oh Ei Sun described the rally as an attempt by Pakatan Harapan supporters to “dramatise” their dissatisfaction at the slow implementation pace of promised reforms.
The Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow, however, said the event is unlikely to hasten reforms by much due to pushback from conservatives.
“The government is likely to pay some form of lip service to the demands, and could perhaps pick and choose some of the more realistic and achievable items for action.
“It doesn’t reflect well on the government, as far as its core supporters are concerned, if no heed is paid to their demands,” he said.
‘Ironic’
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said that the decision by Bersih to hold a rally was proof it was dissatisfied with the government.
He also said he found the entire episode ironic as Anwar was always seen as the one pushing for reform, while Bersih has always been seen as an ally of his Pakatan Harapan coalition.
“Now that Anwar is in the government, he knows that carrying out reforms is not as easy as he once announced. But Bersih has to remember that the government is not solely led by PKR.”