Bersatu Youth calls PM to take up term limit, anti-hopping laws proposed by Muhyiddin

 

Bersatu Youth hopes newly-minted Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob will incorporate proposals made by his predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin in any possible reforms.

This was after Ismail Sabri held a meeting yesterday with the leadership of Pakatan Harapan, the largest opposition bloc, to discuss possible bipartisan cooperation and reforms.

Bersatu Youth information chief Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir said the meeting should not be evaluated in terms of party politics.

He added that what Ismail Sabri is doing is a continuation of Muhyiddin's previous efforts of trying to work with the opposition to achieve political stability.

"It is hoped that the reform agenda that was previously offered by Muhyiddin such as the anti-party-hopping laws, a term limit for the prime minister, and a number of institutional reforms will be part of the joint 'menu' and serve as a catalyst to develop our democracy," he said in a statement.

Muhyiddin had made the reform offers after he lost majority support.

The then premier hoped the opposition would have supported him in exchange for the proposed reforms but was snubbed. Critics said the offer came too late.

Ismail Sabri, who replaced Muhyiddin, has also taken a reconciliatory position toward the opposition after being sworn in.

However, he has yet to reveal details about the possible reforms.

Ismail Sabri has the support of 114 MPs out of the 220 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat. There are also two vacant seats.

Ashraf said it was appropriate to set aside political differences to focus on the country's recovery amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

He added that if Ismail Sabri is not on the right track, he could suffer a fate similar to Muhyiddin.

Meanwhile, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also expressed support for Ismail Sabri's engagement with the opposition.

"PAS is of the view that the move is in line with the current political reality... where no one party dominates during the election," he said.

He added that PAS is confident the government will engage all stakeholders including the opposition for constructive cooperation in order to achieve various reforms.

"It is hoped that this will be a good start for a new political landscape that emphasis the wellbeing, harmony, and justice for the people that come from diverse communities," Takiyuddin said. - Mkini