Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevesan has revealed her intention to
step down from her post in the electoral reform movement after the next
general election.
In an interview with financial news-wire Bloomberg published
today, Ambiga said this would allow her to focus on her legal firm
which specialises in commercial, intellectual property and industrial
law.
It would also allow her time for personal interests such as
cricket and the arts, which she has put aside to hold up the Bersih
banner, the report added.
Ambiga said she also has unfinished
work particularly on women's rights, which she had been advocating prior
to taking the reins of Bersih, particularly when this involves issues
of conversion to Islam.
“The courts have abdicated their
responsibility over a lot of family law issues in these situations
involving both the Syariah courts and civil courts,” she was quoted as
saying.
She noted that, as a solution, the government had in 2008
proposed a law to require individuals wanting to convert to Islam, to
first inform their family members. However, the process has stalled at
the Council of Malay Rulers who are responsible for Islamic affairs.
“This
should be first in line for resolution... The ordinary Malaysian is
beginning to realise that it is not acceptable to play up religion and
race in politics. There is a real maturing," she reportedly said.
Ambiga
had led two major street protest to demand clean and fair election -
these were the largest since the reformasi movement which started in
1998.
Her role has seen her subjected to harassment, death threats as well as vitriol from government lawmakers.
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