BERSIH chairperson Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz has given Putrajaya an “F” saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration has not carried out any electoral reforms in the country.
“Sorry to say, but we have yet to see any electoral reforms. The government has failed to carry them out.
“So that’s my answer, an F,” Faisal told a forum on electoral reforms in Kuala Lumpur last night (June 7).
Bersih previously put forward 10 demands to Anwar’s government, and they include electoral reforms.
The group has threatened that it would hold a mass Bersih 6 rally before the Madani government’s term comes to an end if its demands for reforms are not met.
Last month, civil society organisations, think tanks, student groups, and individuals expressed concern over the vacancy of the Election Commission (EC) chairperson position following Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh’s retirement.
They highlighted the EC’s crucial role in overseeing elections and delineating constituencies. Criticism directed at the government’s appointment process for EC commissioners, which bypassed parliamentary review, contrary to election promises.
They also stressed the importance of transparent and accountable procedures for appointing the new EC chairperson, especially considering the significance of fair electoral practices for democracy.
Currently, the debate is on whether the six Bersatu MPs who showed support for Anwar should quit to allow for by-elections in their respective constituencies.
The Seed Community for a Professional Parliament (SCPP) advocates for upholding Article 49A of the Federal Constitution, which includes the Anti-Hopping Laws (AHLs).
Moreover, they address the case of seven Bersatu lawmakers who lost their party membership after failing to pledge loyalty as instructed. SCPP clarified that this loss of membership isn’t expulsion but a consequence of their actions.
They noted that it’s not a retroactive application of the law, as the relevant party constitution clause was approved by the Registrar of Societies earlier.
The SCPP urged Bersatu to promptly inform the Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul about the membership changes. – June 8, 2024
Main photo credit: Malay Mail
