NGOs MUST OFFER CONTRUCTIVE CRITICISM TO GOVT OR OPPOSITION

KUALA TERENGGANU (Bernama) -- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) must play an important role as providers of
constructive criticism to the government or opposition.

Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said if the government or the
opposition was at fault, NGOs must quickly point out such mistakes in a
constructive manner and not worsen the situation.

"NGOs need to play the appropriate role because we did not gain independence
through violence, demonstration or street protests.

"If there is a move to change the government, it must be done through a
voting process, the political way," he told reporters after opening a forum on
the role of NGOs in solving issues aimed at nation building, here Friday.

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), headed by S. Ambiga,
has planned a rally in the capital on July 9.

"I heard on July 9, about 50 NGOs will take part in the illegal rally but I
am afraid they will have to pay the price," he said.

Zahid said organisng such a rally was not reasonable or necessary.

He added that the claims by the illegal group, especially on postal votes,
electoral roll and phantom voters, was baseless.

Police and army personnel would not be involved in the postal voting system
anymore but would cast their votes a few days before and during the voting
process officers from the Election Commission (EC) and candidates'
representatives would also be present, he said.