Bersih wants PM Anwar to push for reforms instead of early elections

 

THE Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has urged the government not to rush into dissolving Parliament for the 16th General Election (GE16), stressing that pending institutional reforms must be prioritised.

Bersih highlighted key reforms yet to be completed, including separating the roles of Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor, limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years, amending the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and revising the Election Offences Act 1954.

The coalition also called for equal distribution of Constituency Development Funds and strengthening Parliamentary Special Select Committees.

“The government, opposition, and all political parties share the responsibility of utilising the remaining term of the 15th Parliament to fulfil the reform commitments made to the people,” said Bersih’s Steering Committee in a statement today.

On August 12, Bersih, along with 44 civil society organisations, similarly urged that the 15th Parliament should not be dissolved early as long as crucial institutional reform agendas have not been fully implemented.

The statement follows UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call for GE16 to be held early, a proposal supported by PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Bersih has also urged Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to announce the date of the dissolution of Parliament and GE16 well in advance as a best practice.

It says this will give voters sufficient time to prepare and allow stakeholders such as the Election Commission, the police, schools, the health sector, and the corporate sector to plan accordingly.

“The people’s mandate should not be toyed with by politicians merely to chase power instead of fulfilling their promises for the well-being of the people,” it said. - Focus Malaysia