GE15 guessing game hurts nation, Bersih tells PM
Electoral watchdog Bersih has called on Ismail Sabri Yaakob to show leadership by proceeding with reforms that can ensure political stability and accountability after the 15th general election (GE15).
In a statement yesterday, the group said the prime minister should, by default, lay out the governance and reform plan for the remainder of his term till July 16, 2023, if he cannot decide on when to call for an election...
Electoral watchdog Bersih has called on Ismail Sabri Yaakob to show leadership by proceeding with reforms that can ensure political stability and accountability after the 15th general election (GE15).
In a statement yesterday, the group said the prime minister should, by default, lay out the governance and reform plan for the remainder of his term till July 16, 2023, if he cannot decide on when to call for an election.
"The guessing game of GE15 is hurting the nation with not only uncertainty that affects decisions to be made in the economy and public life, but also distract ministers' attention from governance," it added.
Bersih listed a slew of reforms that are needed prior to the polls, as discussed in the recently concluded two-day conference entitled "Gearing Up for GE15: What Reforms Do Voters Want".
The reforms include:
Implementing a 10-year tenure limit for the prime minister.
Introducing constructive vote of no confidence.
Introducing fixed-term Parliament.
Separation of attorney-general and public prosecutor's offices.
Enacting federal and state laws for equitable constituency development funds.
Formation of a Parliament Special Select Committee (PSSC) on electoral matters.
Expanding absentee voting rights to out-of-region voters.
Improving the postal voting process for overseas Malaysian voters.
Empowering PSSC.
Restoring the Parliamentary Services Act.
Enhancing the independence, impartiality and representativeness of speakers and deputy speakers.
Amending the Standing Orders of Parliament to empower both opposition MPs and government backbenchers, and enable private member's bills.
Restore public confidence
Bersih also pointed out the importance of the formulation of the Political Financing Bill and National Anti-Corruption Plan.
"We noted that Ismail Sabri issued a statement in May that a Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption agreed in principle to the enactment of 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, including statutory bodies, will be introduced, and the separation of the AG and public prosecutor's offices will be explored.
"We applaud the willingness of the Ismail Sabri government to consider these reforms and implement those already in the Memorandum of Understanding 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," the group added.
Bersih said it is aware that many structural reforms require constitutional amendments and thus called on all parties and MPs, including the prime minister's party Umno, to lend their support to any such reform agenda.
It also urged the government to start a consultation process with all stakeholders to secure their input and support.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini quoted two sources as reporting that GE15 is likely to be held in November.
Ismail Sabri previously hinted that GE15 may be held earlier - after he faced pressure to do so from Umno leaders, specifically party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ismail Sabri, who is also an Umno vice-president, earlier said the election can be held latest by July 2023 which is when this term expires.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.