After PM-PH consensus, Bersih calls for formal CSA

 

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim talking to the media after meeting the Prime Minister yesterday. Bersih wants the consensus they reached to be reflected in a formal CSA. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: With opposition leaders and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob reaching a consensus to strengthen the function of Parliament, a formalised confidence and supply agreement (CSA) must be signed, says Bersih 2.0.

The electoral reform group said it commended the steps initiated by both the government and the opposition to focus their energy into fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, revive the country’s economy and push for institutional reforms for political stability.

“The understanding and agreement reached should be immediately discussed in-depth and formalised, with signed CSAs. It should be jointly announced to the public to ensure transparency and accountability of the terms agreed,” it said, adding that there should also be a timeline for the fulfillment of these reforms.

Bersih 2.0 added that Ismail should similarly invite other parties and independent opposition MPs to discuss common grounds, as well as to sign inter-party agreements among his own supporting parties and MPs.

This, it said, would ensure political stability and give meaning and substance to Ismail’s slogan of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family).

Bersih 2.0 also reiterated its proposals to the government and the opposition which it said can be implemented to achieve political stability, institutional reform and inclusive governance.

Among them are a tripartite federal-state council on health and economy, a cabinet manual that supplements the Federal Constitution, Parliamentary reform to strengthen the role of Parliament, immediate implementation of Undi18, a fixed-term Parliament Act, an enactment of a Political Financing Act and more.

Yesterday, Ismail and the top three Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders reached a consensus to strengthen the function of Parliament as a check and balance on the executive.

In a rare joint statement signed by Ismail and the three leaders, they said they agreed on and understood the importance of the independence of the judiciary, institutional reforms and good governance.

The meeting went on for more than an hour and focused on reaching a common ground over the management of Covid-19 and improving the economy. - FMT