The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) calls on the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to call for an emergency sitting of Parliament immediately to prove that he has the support of the majority of MPs through the vote of confidence, and not wait till September.
A delay would prolong the political instability with parties vying for support from MPs through promises of lucrative appointments to Government-Linked Companies (GLC) or even Cabinet positions, or the use of enforcement bodies like the MACC, IRB, PDRM and AGC to investigate and bring charges to those who do not align themselves with the government. Such tactics have been witnessed since the Sheraton Move that installed the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
With the withdrawal of 8 MPs from UMNO, as admitted by Muhyiddin, it is inconceivable that he still commands majority support unless he already or plans to cause the defection of more MPs from the opposition. Such political scheming must not be allowed to take place.
Furthermore, the September sitting of Parliament was meant for the YDPA to give his address and it should not be distracted with a vote of confidence that might bring about the resignation of the PM and his Cabinet.
If the Muhyiddin government hopes to have the support of the Opposition without resorting to enticement of their MPs, he must with all sincerity reach out to the Opposition leader to negotiate a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) where the Opposition agree to support the PM in exchange for meaningful roles in taskforce to combat COVID-19 and to revive the economy.
The CSA must also include legislated reforms that would level the playing field for all parties like parliamentary reform with all MPs sitting in Select Committees, equal Constituency Development Fund (CDF), recall election to deal with party hopping, political financing reform and the separation of the Attorney-General role and that of the Public Prosecutor’s.
The Rakyat expect political stability during this time of crisis so that their immediate health and economic concerns can be addressed.
Statement issued by:
The Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0