Bersih gives unity govt ‘D’ grade, says Ismail best PM since 2009

 

Bersih said Ismail Sabri Yaakob (right) managed to allocate equal funds to opposition MPs, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has yet to implement groundbreaking reforms. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Electoral watchdog Bersih has given the unity government a “D” grade for its performance in the two years since its formation, and also ranked Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the best prime minister since 2009.

Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said the unity government’s grade reflected its limited progress in carrying out reforms, as well as the gap between its rhetoric and action.

“We believe that a post-election coalition government should not be an excuse to abandon all reform promises made in Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional’s manifestos.

“This is especially given the fact that there are four common major promises in both the BN and PH manifestos — which shows they are in agreement — that have not been fully implemented.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself was the leader of PH when these promises were made to voters,” he said when presenting Bersih’s “report card” for the government here tonight.

The group also ranked Ismail the best among five prime ministers, including Anwar, Muhyiddin Yassin, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak.

Its report said reforms were pushed through by Ismail’s administration, including the allocation of equal development funds to the opposition, through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PH.

It added that the MoU’s signing led to bipartisan support for the passing of key reforms such as the anti-hopping law and lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18.

MORE TO COME

- FMT