Source: Malaysiakini
BY AMBIGA SREENEVASAN

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is the latest activist to be questioned by cops over foreign funding to Bersih 2.0 from US billionaire George Soros’s Open Society Foundation. — Picture by Choo Choy May
The ongoing investigations into foreign funding of Bersih and other NGOs under Section 124C of the Penal Code is selective and baseless.
Bersih has at all times been transparent about its funding and its accounts. We have always made it clear that Bersih received funds from Open Society Institute (OSI) in 2011 in the sum of US$25,000 and from the National Democracy Institute (NDI) in the sum of US$9,690. Both sums were used in election-related projects.
These allegations are not new. As a result of a suit filed by Bersih and other NGOs in 2012, the New Straits Times issued an apology to Bersih and other NGOs in November 2013 for their baseless allegations of a plot to destabilise the government by using funds allegedly received in the amount of RM20 million.
All the documents relating to the funds received by Bersih were filed in court in that suit.
The repeated accusation that there is a conspiracy of sorts to topple the government makes no sense when Bersih’s primary demand since its inception, has been for free and fair elections and for strong institutions.
Every activity of Bersih is geared towards these demands. Workshops and training are organised. Voters’ rights are promoted. Representations are made to the EC. Election observers are trained. Peaceful assemblies are organised. Sometimes Bersih has had to go to court.
These are all legitimate activities permissible under the law carried out by Bersih and supported by the endorsing NGOs. Read more →