Risk of unity govt not completing full term still exists: Bersih

KUALA LUMPUR – There is still political uncertainty in the country today that could lead to the collapse of the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led government before the end of its term, according to electoral watchdog Bersih. 

“That is why there is political manoeuvring by their partners to get Datuk Seri Najib Razak pardoned, and for charges against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to be dropped. 

“All these are speculations and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres,” Bersih chairman Thomas Fann said during the launch of its 2022 Annual Report via Zoom today. 

“The concern (of the government collapsing) is still valid simply because, apart from the anti-hopping law, the political situation (remains) pretty much (the) status quo as per (after the) 14th general election. 

“What this means is there is the possibility that this government may not last. This is despite the recent constitutional amendment, which introduced an anti-hopping law, coming into effect last October.”

Fann also noted discontent among opposition members at not being given greater recognition, citing this as another potential risk the federal administration has to face.  

Fann was responding to questions from the press on Bersih’s hopes for the government this year, particularly with speculation surrounding the fates of Umno’s Najib and Zahid. 

There have been concerns that Najib might be given a royal pardon following Umno’s appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and with Anwar confirming recently that he would be sitting on the Pardons Board hearing the former prime minister’s application.

The Pakatan Harapan chairman, however, maintained that there would not be any conflict of interest as pardon applications will have to abide by due process, and that the final decision is at the full discretion of the Agong. 

In Zahid’s case, it was recently revealed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is currently conducting further investigations in relation to his Yayasan Akalbudi corruption trial, after his lawyers sent a new letter of representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to review his charges.

The court has agreed to postpone his Yayasan Akalbudi corruption trial to August. 

To stave off any possibility of a parliamentary coup against the unity government, Fann urged Putrajaya to implement reforms that would appease all quarters.

This would include expediting the implementation of equal constituency development funds and allowing the opposition to play a more active and meaningful role in Parliament. 

“I think this can take away some of the pressure for a change of government, because if they know they can influence and have their voices heard in Parliament, then there is less of a chance for them to be impatient,” he said. 

“Things like equal funding are very low-hanging fruits. It is at the prime minister’s discretion, but it should be done fast. 

“As a matter of Malaysia Madani and good will, I think it (constituency funds) should be given because it will strengthen the stability of the government.”

Separately, Fann also urged for the separation of powers between the attorney-general (AG) and public prosecutor to be given immediate priority, to avoid allegations of political prosecution. 

“Now, the opposition will claim that the government is cruel for using the AG if there are any charges against them, even if they were for valid reasons. If the roles are separated, I think it will give assurance that any charges brought are based on the merit of the case itself.”

Meanwhile, in its 2022 Annual Report, Bersih said it would be pushing for a parliamentary permanent select committee on election matters, as part of several objectives it aims to achieve by 2027. 

Other strategies include pursuing legislative reforms on the Election Offences Act 1954 and political financing, and mainstreaming multiparty democracy by encouraging professionalised politics, competition of ideas, and parliamentary reforms. 

The electoral watchdog also highlighted some of its major achievements throughout the past year, including its advocacy for an anti-hopping mechanism, and lobbying for institutional reforms through the memorandum of understanding between the then government and opposition. 

Among reforms that were implemented were lowering the voting age, automatic registration, and recognition of the office of the opposition leader. 

It also monitored the Johor polls and 15th general election, and conducted a nationwide Ketuanan Pengundi roadshow to explain and generate support for its demands for reforms. – The Vibes, April 13, 2023