Time for a peace accord, Bersih tells unity govt and Opposition

PETALING JAYA: Electoral watch group Bersih has repeated its call for the unity government and Perikatan Nasional to sign an inter-party peace deal following the conclusion of the six state elections.

In a statement on Monday (Aug 14), it said endless politicking intensified by the polls had distracted the government from its tasks, to the dismay of Malaysians wanting to move on with their lives.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should take the lead by fulfilling his promises to combat systemic corruption and implement institutional reforms that would lay the foundation for better governance, accountability and stability.

“With a two-thirds majority in Parliament, he could deliver these much-needed legislative reforms without the need for support from the Opposition.

“But in keeping the spirit of his Madani government, we urge him to reach out fully and sincerely to Perikatan’s leaders out of respect for their important role as the Opposition and elected representatives,” the statement read.

It also said that only the people had the right to deliver a mandate every five years, and it was not up to politicians who wanted to seize power at every opportunity they created for themselves.

Therefore, Bersih said, time should be given for the coalition or party in power to govern to prove itself and win another term, or be removed if it failed to show results.

“Rejection of election outcome and constant talk of mid-term change of government (disrespects) the collective will of the people and (is) irresponsible as it damages overall confidence in the government and the country’s democratic system.

“This has to end, enough is enough. It is time for all parties to focus on nation-building while playing the part of the government, Opposition, civil society and the rakyat responsibly,” Bersih said.

“Without these political and institutional reforms, Anwar’s government or any government after him will remain vulnerable to mid-term coups and accusations of abuse of executive powers.

“Voters from both sides of the political divide want to see an end to corruption and the Prime Minister must not compromise or be seen as compromising his pledge to fight corruption.

“The reform to make the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) independent, as well as political financing reform, are paramount in this fight,” it said.

It also recommended a number of arrangements and institutional reforms, including a fixed term Act for the 15th Parliament to go on until its full term to Dec 18, 2027.

Its other proposals included amendments to the Standing Orders for both Houses of Parliament to empower private Members and form more Special and Permanent Select Committees; the reintroduction of the Parliamentary Services Act; recognition of the Opposition’s shadow Cabinet to let it function effectively and constructively; and strengthening of the Dewan Negara to function as the guardian of state rights and a one-third veto power for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

Bersih also recommended an Equitable Constituency Development Funding (CDF) Act to ensure equal treatment for all MPS regardless of affiliation; and a Political Financing Act with public funding for parties to curb money politics and corruption.

It said the AGC and MACC reforms should remove any political control by the Prime Minister; and also proposed Election Commission (EC) reforms.