CYBERJAYA: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he considers the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) like a family, given his long-standing involvement in the electoral watchdog.
Speaking to the reporters, Fahmi said that he did not mean to single out Bersih for not attending engagement sessions on social media and Internet messaging platforms.
"I have contacted the Bersih chairman and exchanged views. I informed him that initially, I had no intention to single out Bersih.
"However, since the media asked about Bersih's presence, I mentioned it.
"There are two important things; the communication process on this issue is crucial, and the engagement will continue in various ways that we will work on," he said after the launch of Sidang Anak Muda K2K today.
Fahmi said he was among those who helped Bersih in its events and programmes from its early days.
"I remember Bersih's first and second rallies, and I feel they are like family. I am confident that we will handle this properly.
"(But) what's essential is that I want all platforms to understand that Malaysia is a sovereign country with laws that must be adhered to.
"There are no exceptions. Platforms currently believe they can get away with almost anything, including removing postings not just by the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), but also several others."
On Aug 2, Bersih in a statement expressed disappointment at Fahmi for singling out the electoral reform group over its absence in a stakeholder engagement held by the ministry on July 15.
In the statement, Bersih also invited Fahmi to a public forum organised by the coalition to open the space to the rakyat and discuss the matter publicly, critically and professionally.