By KUCHING: The Coalition of Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to stabilise the nation’s politics until the end of the current term.
The opined that the guessing game of GE15 is hurting the nation with not only uncertainty that affects decisions to be made in economy and public life, but also distract ministers’ attention from governance.
“We call on the Prime Minister to advance an agenda of political transformation that can ensure political stability and accountability after GE15.
“If he cannot decide on when to call for an early election, he should just by default lay out the governance and reform plan for the remainder of his term till July 16, 2023.
“He should show leadership and determination in stabilising Malaysian politics,” BERSIH said in a statement yesterday (July 7).
The coalition, which recently concluded a two-day conference, gathering inputs from politicians and the academia has proposed a few reforms that needs to be implemented before GE15.
Among them are implementing a ten-year limit on the prime minister’s tenure; introducing a constructive vote of no-confidence, a fixed term parliament, separation of Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor’s offices as well as enact federal and state laws for equitable constituency development funds.
At the same time, they also suggested the formation of a parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) on electoral matters, explaining absentee voting to voters, improving postal voting, empowering PSSCs and restoring the Parliamentary Services Act.
They also suggested enhancements to the independence, impartiality and representativeness of Speakers and Deputy Speakers as well as amendments to Standing Orders to empower both Opposition MPs and Government backbenchers, and to enable Private member’s Bills
The coalition also noted that the government agreed in principle to enact a Political Financing Bill, a comprehensive plan that will institutionalise good governance principles and practices as the National Good Governance Plan (MyGovernance) at all government agencies.
“We applaud the willingness of the Ismail Sabri government to consider these reforms and implement those already in the MOU for Transformation and Political Stability.
“It’s time for the PM to restore public confidence in our political and electoral process, a goal that should be supported by all parties, both in the government and opposition benches”.
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