The electoral reform group says political differences should have been set aside in the best interest of the nation.
Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz questioned the rationale for the opposition’s action, pointing out that the proposed law was tabled in the best interest of the country.
“We shouldn’t allow our political differences to influence our decision (to vote for or against a bill).
“Voters and civil society want to see institutional reforms,” he told FMT.
Earlier today, the Dewan Rakyat failed to pass the constitutional amendment after the bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority.
In the bloc vote, 146 MPs supported the bill, 44 abstained and 32 were absent.
The bill needed at least 148 votes to meet the required two-thirds majority.
It was later revealed that among those absent were eight MPs from the government bloc.
Last week, Bersih urged MPs across the divide to back the bill, saying it would be an important mechanism to prevent authoritarian tendencies.
Opposition MPs, mainly from PAS, said they were concerned the bill would encroach on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s powers, arguing that the king has the ultimate say on who becomes prime minister.
They also said that apart from a tenure cap, there should be a clear separation between the roles of the prime minister and finance minister.
Former law minister Takiyuddin Hassan, the Kota Bharu MP from Perikatan Nasional, said caveats should be added so that the king’s discretion is not infringed upon.
Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said dismissed claims the amendment would usurp the king’s powers, saying it only adds a new condition for the prime minister’s office and does not touch on the rights of the Malay rulers. - FMT
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