WITH many pouring in their wish list to the newly-minted prime minister, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) joined the foray and chipped in their ideas too.
For the socialist party, it stressed the need for the Government to embark on comprehensive reforms, starting with creating clear distinction between the roles of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary; the three arms of a democratic system.
“All institutions in this country need to reformed to strengthen separation of powers. The independence of every institution will inevitably promote and safeguard human rights and freedom,” its youth wing secretary Gandipan Nantha Gopalan told FocusM.
Earlier today, PKR urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to implement the parliamentary reforms promised by his predecessor and get everyone involved in nation building.
“I urge the prime minister to include the seven Parliamentary reforms and new comprehensive strategy to contain COVID-19 as agreed by the Cabinet-led by former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Aug 13.
“Please include them in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting for deliberation. Prove to the people that the new administration puts the people’s wellbeing above everything else,” PKR Women’s Wing communication director Loh Ker Chean was reported saying.
Gandipan said that despite doubts on the offers made, which was seen as a “bribe” then to entice support from the Opposition, he opined that the reforms suggested must be implemented anyhow.
For example, he opined that the implementation of Undi18 and equal allocation for all MPs must be expedited.
“It’s important for youngsters to have a say during elections and the equal allocations offered can be used by MPs to serve their constituencies better,” he stressed.
Bin the first-past-the-post system
On that note, Gandipan said that it was best for the Government to replace the first-past-the-post system (FPTP) with the Proportional Representation (PR) system.
The system, he added, would make every vote count and allow smaller parties to have a say in the Parliament or state assemblies.
“We must also allocate permanent seats for certain marginalised groups such as the Orang Asli community and dwellers of low-cost housing areas.
“And parliamentary reforms must also include removing certain restrictions to allow diverse opinions and perspective to be freely deliberated in the august house,” he remarked. – Aug 24, 2021.
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