Bersih: Unacceptable for those facing court cases to be in cabinet

The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih) has strongly objected to the appointment of any person who has ongoing criminal cases against them to any cabinet position.

Individuals with outstanding court cases taking up executive positions are politically unacceptable and can undermine the public trust in both the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the judiciary, it said in a statement today.

Bersih also reminded the public that such political manoeuvres could cast doubts on the integrity of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government and tarnish the reputation of the country.

“Until and unless both the prosecution and the judiciary are absolutely free from political influence, it is politically unacceptable for politicians with outstanding court cases to take up executive positions.

“This is because any acquittal will be seen as the granting of impunity to those aligned with the executive. This is even if their cases genuinely merit acquittal,” explained the statement issued by the Bersih steering committee.

Zahid’s pending court cases

Bersih was also alarmed at suggestions from certain parties and individuals that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi be considered for the post of deputy prime minister in the present government.

“Zahid is still on trial for 47 charges of criminal breach of trust involving the Yayasan Akalbudi case.

“Even though he has been acquitted on 40 corruption charges on the VLN visa scheme by the High Court on Sept 22, the prosecution has filed an appeal on the case,” the statement pointed out.

Bersih also urged all parties in the coalition government to refrain from putting forth names of individuals facing court cases for the prime minister’s consideration as he forms his cabinet.

“Similarly, other elected representatives who have ongoing corruption cases such as (DAP chairperson) Lim Guan Eng, (Muda president) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, and (Sabah BN chairperson) Bung Moktar Radin should not be appointed to the cabinet.

“Not until after their cases have been fully disposed of by the courts without any interference from the executive through the Attorney-General Chambers,” read the Bersih statement.

Reforming the AGC

In saying this, the electoral watchdog reiterated the urgent need to reform the AGC by transferring its powers to prosecute to an independent Public Prosecution Office in order to take a neutral position on all ongoing cases.

“As an immediate measure, the prosecution role should be temporarily transferred to the solicitor-general, the apolitical number two of the AGC.

“This is to take a neutral position on all ongoing cases, especially those involving politicians.

“The handling of these cases should not be used as bargaining chips for the formation of a government or the cabinet,” it said.

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