Transcript: Question Time with S. Ambiga

Yahoo! Malaysia producer:
Hi all, Welcome to Question Time. We're honoured to have you Datuk Ambiga at live chat session. We will be taking questions in both Malay and English. Let's begin.

Jason: 
Hi Ambiga, I am Jason from NSW and am very impressed with the BERSIH outcome and the effort! Great job, way to go! I would like to know what is the possiblilty or progress of having postal votes enable in AUS. I am sure there are many Malaysians in Aus.
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
The progress for overseas voting is very slow. In fact Anthony Loke MP had the same query for the EC today as this was one of the recommendations made by the PSC and he questioned the progress. It looks like the opening up of postal votes for all overseas voters will not take place before the 13th GE.

siva : 
in your opinion, why isn't the ECC implementing all the 8 points that Bersih is demanding?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe there is a lack of political will to see genuine reform before the 13th GE. There are presently minimal reforms.
 
Anura Bird : 
We know that the coming GE will be the dirtiest in the history of Malaysia. What will be Bersih's role during the elections.
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
We are not election observers as such. However, we are conducting training for the public to be our eyes and ears and for them to report to us. See the Jom Pantau campaign. This is how we will be monitoring the elections.
 
Joshua Lopez : 
Dear Dato, I strongly believe that Anwar used YOU and your Bersih Efforts as His Political Tool. Its is HIM that has gotten everyone to question whether BERSIH & YOU are Apolitical or Political. What do you have to say Dato?

Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe it is an insult to 250000 people to say they were used. No one can hijack the agenda of Bersih 2.0. When you say Bersih 2.0, you only think of free and fair elections!
 
Shreetarr S : 
How do you cope with the unwanted demonstration and publicity? I don't think even i can accept it the way you accept it..calm n cool..
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe in peaceful responses to harassment and intimidation. Ultimately it always works out worse for those who harass and intimidate.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We have a question from Facebook user, Kugayndran S. Kugan,who asked: would you consider Bersih becoming a political party? And it’s sad to see the EC having such a horrible electoral roll.
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Bersih has no intention of becoming a political party. Our whole basis is that we are a civil society movement for free and fair elections.
 
Myra : 
Hi, after all the chaos in the recent issues related to politics and stuff, what benefit do we all get from all these especially to the Malays & the Muslims, coz all I can see that you are trying to divide all the races and incite hatred in all of us.
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I suggest you direct this question to the 250, 000 people of all races who were there on that day.
 
SURESH : 
Hello Ambiga, good day. I notice recently that in most of the opposition's ceramah, your name is being used frequently especially when they attending to a large Indian crowd. What this means to you and are you comfortable with this? Tahnk you.
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe all parties are using my name, whether positively or negatively! I have always left it to people to judge. I thank those who have held events in solidarity with me in relation to recent acts of intimidation.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Another one from our Facebook followers, Naveen P: Bersih has been one of the very few things in Malaysia that has panned across races/religion. Do you believe we will see a truly 'Malaysian' race in the near future

Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I think we have seen it in Bersih and will continue to see it. Hidup Rakyat!

Xia : 
Hi, BERSIH has really damaged our country's reputation. Why you think that this is the only way and the best way to get what you want from the Government?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
If at all Malaysia's reputation is damaged, it is by the disproportionate response of the Govt to Bersih and to all other abuses of power and corruption that we see in our daily lives. Bersih unites, Bersih brings hope.

Elsie : 
Ambiga, the law allows for a peaceful assembly, but not a rally. As a lawyer who should understand the law, who do you continually break the law?

Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe you have misread the Peaceful Assembly Act, but nevertheless, you should look at our Federal Constitution which enshrines the fundamental right to freedom of assembly. That is the supreme law that we uphold.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Here's question from Facebook user Shamugam Velu: I wish to know on what basis are do you say our election process is rigged, if it is rigged, how do you explain Penang and Selangor? Secondly, how can u allow the opposition to hijack your cause if you insist you are apolitical? Thirdly do you realise that the silent majorities have rights too?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Evidence comes out on a daily basis about how flawed the electoral roll is. I won't even start on the other issues of free and fair access to the media, dirty politics and the abuse of the postal voting system. Please follow through on the several reports in the online media.
 
Lim : 
Dear Dato, who is your role model and which country can be a role model for us to learn from? Why?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I have several role models, but the one that stands out is of course Aung San Su Kyi. I would not suggest that we look to any one other country to learn from. We should draw on the positive experiences of all democratic systems.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We've had comments from our Facebook followers: Are you willing to be jailed for your cause?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Yes.
 
satyromaniaman : 
Hi, who do you think will win EURO 2012? On Elections, what are your ideas on having technology involved? Cameras in the voting room (excluding the voting booth)?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Whoever plays Clean! =) Technology is very useful and has been used and we should draw on the experiences of several countries who have used them successfully. There are downsides to some of them which is why they should be studied first.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We have a question from Twitter: Tamys46: Did you buy any burgers from the stall outside your house?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
No. I am a vegetarian. They were giving them out free anyway. =)
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Some funny comments: • What's your favourite legal TV drama? Why?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Not too many right now, but Suits is good.
 
Kenny : 
Just want to say thank you Ambiga. You have done ALL Malaysians proud and you have shown us the way forward with dignity and respect

Ambiga Sreenevasan:

Thank you.

Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We have a few questions on race and religion..: You defended Lina Joy in her apostasy case. What’s your stance on religion and religious freedom?

Ambiga Sreenevasan:

I did not act for Lina Joy. Nevertheless, I was the then Bar President.

We have always upheld freedom of religion as provided in the Federal

Constitution.

hafiz : 
Puan Ambiga boleh berbahasa melayu?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Ya, boleh.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Muhammad Faisal Teh Jamal, asks from Facebook: Do u agree with hudud?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I would first want to know the definition of hudud and its manner of implementation.
 
malaysian : 
did u agree with LGBT? i meam, did you think that they have 'space' in malaysia?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe they are an oppressed community and that we should reach out to them rather than condemn them as many people do.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We're getting more comments on Bersih, here's one from Facebook: • Why Bersih? What spurred you to take up the cause of free and fair elections above all others?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Because free and fair elections are the foundation of all democratic processes. In my view, if this is flawed, then it leads to weaknesses in all the institutions.
 
Guest : 
After the rally Do you feel safe when going around in town?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I feel relatively safe but I am always careful.
 
Pat : 
Much of the criticism directed at you personally has been overtly racist - has that come as a shock to you?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
It came as a shock to me last year when we had the rally on the 9th of July. However the racism has not abated. Therefore, although I was shocked as to the extent to which racism was used, it was not new to me.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Do you think the momentum from Bersih is going to translate to the coming elections? Do you think what you did will act as a game-changer in GE13?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I think that what Bersih did was to raise the awareness of the people in relation to free and fair elections and their rights and responsibilities as voters. This as well as the govt's response and the response of all potential candidates to the will of the people for free and fair elections will all make the difference in the next General Elections. In short, don't ignore Bersih!
 
Krishna : 
If the opposition takes over the next GE, will Bersih still be active?Will the same kind monitoring magnitude be given to the opposition ruling?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I assure you that we will hold the opposition to the same high standards that we hold the present govt in relation to democracy and free and fair elections. As the Rakyat, we want good governance by anyone who wins the elections.
 
Shoba : 
What do you think of BN's move to field winnable candidates? It's as if they will do anything to win the seats...
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe it is the right and duty of every political party to put forward their best candidates. By that I mean candidates who will serve the Rakyat. There is nothing wrong with putting forward the best candidates for the elections.

hafiz : 
Ambiga, saya nak sehelai baju bersih . ada lebih tak?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Minta maaf, tak ada stok.
 
ray yee : 
are you married?

Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Yes. For 34 years. =)

Ambiga Sreenevasan:

Sorry, typo, 30 years. =)

 
ray yee : 
what do you think of the current PM and his wife?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe that this PM has shown that he is open to change. However, he is unable to see change through effectively, and that could be because he does not have the necessary support. Nevertheless, he is the Prime Minister, and unfortunately, the buck stops with him!
 
Satees : 
Aung San Suu Kyi is your role model Dato? So, have you watched "The Lady" how does Michelle Yeoh in it? What is your feeling, when addressed "The Lady of Malaysia"?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I have not seen The Lady...probably because of live performances outside my house! I am humbled by the good wishes that I get but I do not believe that I am in any way near Aung San Suu Kyi.
 
Soon : 
i noticed you are unhappy people to protest in fromt of your house. what makes you think KL residents are happy with you rally?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
There is a difference between protest in front of a person's house and in a public place. What is the point of a peaceful assembly act and the constitutional provision upholding freedom to assemble if it cannot be done in a place which is accessible to the public? By the way, the protest in front of my house was harassment and intimidation.
 
Shamshul : 
How much contribution have you received from foreign body for Bersih?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
We received approximately RM90+ k for a specific project on delimitation which was used up last year. We have received no other foreign funding.
 
jamil : 
don't you believe in god? you should always be thankful to life until this moment. Is it still not enough for you?

Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe in God. I believe also that it is our duty not just to look after ourselves but to ensure justice and fairplay for all.
 
mdnor : 
Is Singapore is the role model contry to you in terms of election process?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Not necessarily.
 
Dharvin : 
hi, this is just out of curiosity, i would like to know up to what extend will bersih continue to fight?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Bersih will carry on with its agenda for free and fair elections. Although that is the ultimate aim for the present, there is also the issue of voter education and long term goals of revamping the system that must be pursued.
 
amri : 
do you happy if BERSIH be a part of BLACK HISTORY in our nation?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Bersih unites. Hidup Rakyat!
 
Daniel Chang : 
Malaysian politician had been chanting on only the Malay can be our PM, what is your views of such chauvinistic attitude?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
There is nothing in the Federal Constitution that stipulates that only a particular race can be PM.
 
Jonathan Khaw : 
I'm going to graduate from law school in Australia soon. I have a question for you, do u have much confidence in our judiciary system? Do u think it's fair for jury trial to be abolished?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I think it is fine for jury trial to be abolished although criminal lawyers see its value in criminal cases. I believe the judiciary has shown much improvement although I still think that there are problems at certain levels where the cases involve human rights issues as well as political cases and cases against the govt.

Sarawakian : 
are you want to destroy a peaceful Malaysia?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
No, we want a peaceful, united, harmonious Malaysia governed by people of integrity, sincerity who uphold the principles of democracy and justice.
 
Mr Ostrich : 
Dear Dato,how long have you been a vegetarian?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Vegetarian all my life.
 
CH Tan : 
I understand your are a vegan, therefore most vegan advocate non-aggression activities. How do you preceive the recent Bersih 3.0 activities that turned tragic and brutality?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
My own view is that all acts of violence occurred only after the disproportionate response of the police to the participants of Bersih 3.0. Participants were there from early in the morning for several hours with no incident. Incidents of violence only took place after teargas was fired. Teargas was fired over and over again and this is shown by the 900+ canisters admitted to by the govt.
 
Lilith : 
Can you enjoy a regular day out with family/friends without drawing too much attention?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Not really, but I'm always happy to meet ordinary Malaysians who support the noble cause of Bersih.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We have 10 minutes left on this session, so do send you questions quick!
 
Daniel Chang : 
I know is stressful taking a leading social role, how do you deal with it and what is your dream holiday?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Dream holiday would be going with my family to a place with lots of history, lots of art., museums and a beach and spa won't hurt! =)
 
Prema : 
Dato, What makes u start Bersih team?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
The Bersih team was already there, it just grew bigger. I did not start anything. The Rakyat made it happen, and continue to make it happen.

Awang : 
Anda seorang peguam,.. tetapi tindak-tanduk anda bersama BERSIH boleh disifatkan sebagai tidak menghormati undang-undang. Demontrasi jalanan hanya menyusahkan sebahagian rakyat Malaysia.. TQ
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Demonstrasi jalanan merupakan antara hak asasi rakyat Malaysia di bawah Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia.
 
Baskaran : 
Hi, Do you have any interest in becoming a minister?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
No, absolutely not!
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Howard Klein from Facebook wants to know: Ambiga, do you plan to contest in the general election
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Again, no!
 
Peter Sylvester : 
I have readt your background from wikipedia, says that u are one of the recipient who received a honorary from Sec Hillary Clinton. Tell me how do u feel that time?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
Very humbled.
 
Moghan Raj : 
What did you say to Mrs Obama & Mrs Clinton?? How are they as a person ??
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
They were both very down-to-earth and very impressive.
 
suresh : 
Dear Dato,in your opinion ,how malaysia will be in 10 years time and what is my future as a youth and for children ?Are Malaysian treated as 1malaysian or its just another "general quote for fame"
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
It is up to every single one of us to determine what Malaysia will be in 10 years time. After Bersih, I have tremendous hope in the future of our beloved country. Hidup Rakyat!
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
We've got lots of questions, asking you, do you have any regrets on Bersih 3.0?

Ambiga Sreenevasan:
My regret in relation to Bersih 3.0 is that people were unnecessarily injured.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
And to wrap up this lively session, one last question that is on most Malaysian's minds - Next steps, is there a Bersih 4.0?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I believe someone's organizing what they are calling Bersih 4.0 next week. It has nothing to do with us! I assume the question is whether Bersih 2.0 is organizing another rally. There is no plan for another rally at this point in time.
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Thank you ! It has a great session, can we get you to share parting words with our lively audience?
 
Ambiga Sreenevasan:
I can't believe one hour and ten minutes has gone past so quickly. I am happy to have been able to reach out to you and I hope you got some of the answers that you wanted. Please vote in GE 13; if you haven't registered, please register. Be aware of your rights as voters and know how important that right is. Hidup Rakyat! Goodbye, and I hope to speak with you again! =)
 
Yahoo Malaysia producer:
Thanks Ambiga and thank you to all of you who have participated in this session, we apologise if we could not feature all of your questions due to limited time. We look forward to speaking to you again, stay tuned for the next Question Time!