KUALA LUMPUR: Former DAP leader Dr P. Ramasamy said the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) is a pale shadow of its former self, advocating that it should cultivate ties with the opposition now.
"It might appeal to members of civil societies and others, but one basic ingredient is missing. It conspicuously lacks the support of the opposition parties and civil societies that are inclined to support the opposition," he said.
Ramasamy said compared to the earlier Bersih movement, the present Bersih has no links with the opposition.
"This is the reason why a Pas leader ridiculed the present Bersih movement. In the past, before the PH-led coalition came to power, it was the opposition parties that gave sustenance to Bersih."
He said Pas, DAP and PKR provided the crucial numbers for Bersih to hold major rallies against the BN government.
"Since DAP and PKR are in the government, the responsibility for supporting Bersih has been passed on to Pas and Bersatu. But whether these opposition parties are ready to support Bersih remains to be seen," said Ramasamy.
He added that If a party like PAS remains suspicious of Bersih, how was the latter going to get the numbers to be a force to be reckoned with.
"Bersih leaders can have more meetings with (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) or even have small gatherings to protest against the lack of reforms. However, the fact remains that without the support and encouragement of the opposition, there is nothing much Bersih can do."
Ramasamy was commenting on the recent Bersih gathering at which he said only about 100 people turned up.
Bersih leaders then met with Anwar to push through the need for 10 main reforms.