There was no BERSIH 'rally'
BACKGROUND INFO. There was no BERSIH Rally yesterday, according to official sources at the electoral reform coalition. There was only a small delegation of BERSIH representation who wanted to submit a memorandum to the Parliament Speaker, stating [10 reasons] why the Constitutional Amendment Bill shouldn't be passed just to facilitate the service of the present chairman of the Election Chairman who will reach the maximum age limit of his service by December 31, 2007.
They later held a press conference at the Parliament lobby. After which, they were arrested as they were about to leave the Parliament House.
The Bill was passed — unanimously and with more than two-third majority — by all members of the Umno-nominated Barisan Nasional present, including Ministers and deputies from MCA, Gerakan and MIC. An exemplary case of power-sharing model, BN-styled.
Once passed, the present Election Commission chairman will be able to extend his service right up to June 30, 2009. The present term for the Abdullah Administration shall expire by April 19, 2009.
