“Bersih 2.0 is all for change and rejuvenation, and people should not stay in power forever,” said the outgoing co-chair of the electoral watchdog steering committee, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
Speaking to The Malaysian Insider in a phone interview soon after the Bersih Election Committee announced its first-ever elections for a new steering committee slated for the end of this month, Ambiga, who has been synonymous with the movement for free and fair elections, admitted to a tinge of sadness at relinquishing her position.
"But there is more joy knowing that Bersih has inspired good people to lead it. It is in good hands. Rejuvenation is key," she said.
Stressing that she would continue her advocacy work with Bersih 2.0, she revealed that she and co-chair Datuk A. Samad Said, who took on the posts in 2010, have been prepared for this for a while now.
"Three years is long enough. We must give new leaders a chance. And remember these are voluntary positions.
"Bersih was never about me or Pak Samad, it is bigger than any individual," she pointed out.
Ambiga also expressed confidence in all those nominated for the posts of vice-chair, treasurer and committee members in the upcoming elections.
"And I want to congratulate Maria, she will make a great leader," Ambiga said, referring to Maria Chin Abdullah who will assume the chairperson post as she was the only person nominated.
Ambiga, a prominent lawyer, also paid tribute to Samad, whom she called a true hero.
"It was my honour to have led Bersih and a greater honour to have led it with my hero Pak Samad.
"He is a true Malaysian who used his talent to help fellow Malaysians no matter the consequences to him personally. Truly, this country could do with more leaders like him," she added.
Meanwhile, Samad said that he did “what was necessary as co-chair”, adding that “most of the time, it was Ambiga doing the job”.
"I do not know how much I have done, but I think I did alright.
"I was there when anything happened, especially when it was about race," he added, speaking slowly.
Samad said that he had never been in an organisation like Bersih before this, which he described as “harder” than being in the literary organisations he was used to.
"Literary is very simple, but Bersih was difficult, so I'm happy to have been part of it because I've learnt a lot," he added.
When asked if he would also be participating in future Bersih events, Samad paused before saying: "I have no answer for that. I will be 82 next year, so I'm thinking more of the hereafter rather than here."
Ambiga, meanwhile, said she will follow through on the Bersih People's Tribunal on the 13th general election, from which a full report is expected early next year.
"We have a plan of action for what happens after the report," she added.
The Bersih People's Tribunal was held in September and heard evidence from members of the public on election fraud and irregularities during the 13th general election.
Bersih was officially launched on November 23 2006 and re-launched as Bersih 2.0 in 2010, when Ambiga and Samad were chosen as co-chairpersons. - November 12, 2013.
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