The Civil Society Organisations Platform for Reform (CSO Platform) has called on the new government to work together with the opposition and appoint experts and professionals to the National Recovery Council.

“Amidst the raging pandemic, and the political and economic crises, CSOs are appealing to the political parties under the new administration of (Prime Minister) Ismail Sabri (Yaakob) to put aside their differences, and to work alongside with the Opposition, appoint experts and professionals to the National Recovery Council, to mitigate the damages in public health, economy and (the Covid-19) pandemic, to help Malaysia heal, and to be in a better position,” it said in a statement.

The CSO Platform comprises 80 non-governmental organisations based in Malaysia, which continue to work on institutional reforms.

(The file picture above shows CSO Platform for Reform members presenting their report on Pakatan Harapan's 22 months in government and Perikatan Nasional's first 100 days, on Sept 9, 2020.)

CSO Platform in the statement cited political turmoil and constant upheaval in their latest report, ‘Brief Report on Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) 17 Months in Power’, which was issued to ensure check and balance on their civic duty.

The report thematically observed 15 key issues, including electoral reform, corruption, women, education, youth, freedom of expression and the refugees in the country.

On health, the NGOs noted two critical mistakes at the early third wave of the pandemic, which paved the way for subsequent failures to suppress the transmission of Covid-19.

“Firstly, there was a slow response in closing the Sabah state borders during the early outbreak of the third wave of the pandemic.

“The outbreak was exacerbated by the Sabah state election campaigns, which were unnecessary if not for the political actions by certain leaders to grab power via defections.

“Second, the premature reopening of all state borders in early December, just when the pandemic situation was in control and improving. This has resulted in widespread seeding of the virus throughout the country and caused the high peak in February 2021,” they said.

They further appealed to the Education Ministry to look into the reopening of schools as soon as possible, claiming that distance learning is ineffective and education has set students back by four years.

“While we accept the risk of opening up the schools, one of our neighbouring countries has shown that schools can continue despite the pandemic, provided that there are SOPs in place and a graduated opening of the schools,” said Asha Lim, who was speaking on behalf of the education cluster.

The CSO Platform warned the new government to not repeat the previous mistakes of the old one and to deliver the promises that have been made by the PN government.

“The CSOs quick appraisal of the PN’s 17 months at the helm of Malaysia is to serve as a strong reminder to the incoming cabinet led by PM Ismail Sabri to prove themselves as true patriots committed to institutional reforms, as well as to not repeat the failings, missteps and regressions, in good governance, human rights, democracy, environment and development for a better Malaysia.

“This is an opportune time for the ninth prime minister to fulfil the offers/promises made under his previous government that included the implementation of Undi18, holding the next general election by end-July 2022 and limiting a prime minister’s tenure to two terms,” the CSO Platform added.

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