MALAYSIA —  The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) welcome the formation of a mixed coalition government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) with the support of BN and the Borneo blocs, as the successful formation of the post-election coalition in a peaceful manner signified the maturing of Malaysian democracy after 15th General Election.

The coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also expressed its congratulation to Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his appointment as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, and the formation of “PH+BN+ Borneo blocs” unity government, ending the five-day-long impasse of a hung parliament.

In a press statement released by the Steering Committee of BERSIH today (25 Nov), BERSIH said the hung parliament of GE15 signified the maturing of Malaysian democracy, where politics is no longer dominated by a single or two coalitions.

Voters can choose between several options and a post-election coalition can be formed peacefully and successfully.

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“Hopefully from now on, parties would be forced to moderate themselves during campaigning as they may have to be partners after elections.”

BERSIH also applauded the announcement by Anwar that the first agenda when Parliament convenes on 19 December, is the tabling of a vote of confidence to prove that he commands the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) to be the PM.

“We believe that he would have secured the support of his coalition’s partners by then.”

BERSIH further reminded that the coalition agreements between the parties – on policy goals they have agreed and on the mechanisms on new and undecided issues – should be announced, signed publicly and deposited in Parliament.

This the what Ismail Sabri Yaakob, former Prime Minister did– signed the MOU for Political Stability and Transformation with PH in 2021.

Vote of Confidence to remove doubts on government’s legitimacy

BERSIH have long called for the Confirmatory Vote of Confidence (CVC) to be adopted as part of a parliamentary convention to prove support for a prime minister.

This would remove any doubts as to the legitimacy and strength of a government and reaffirms the judgement of the Malaysia King as laid out in Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

“The formation of government is too important to be conducted behind closed doors with statutory declarations (SD) that are opaque.”

BERSIH: Anwar should remember to keep his administration slim

The NGO urged Mr Anwar to remember his promise to keep his administration slim.

“The political need to appoint representatives from various parties should be addressed by setting up the same number or more of parliamentary committees as the number of ministries, with commensurate salaries but no perks for the chairs and their deputies.”

As GE15 has come to an end and a new government has been formed, BERSIH calls on all parties especially the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition to accept the outcome of GE15 and to play their role as the loyal Opposition to the new government.

Support to the formation of a shadow cabinet

“We need an opposition that could effectively scrutinize Anwar’s government, ” BERSIH added that for that to happen, the new PH-led government has to empower Parliament and provide adequate resources for special select committees and the formation of a shadow cabinet.

BERSIH also congratulates the almost 15.5 million or 74 per cent of eligible voters who participated in GE15 despite rain and flooding in some areas.

Voters show determination and commitment to democracy

“The images of voters wading in knee-high flood water to cast their votes in Baram, Sarawak and the global mobilisation of Malaysian all over the world to bring home postal ballots demonstrated the determination and commitment of Malaysians to our democracy.”

BERSIH said let GE15 be remembered as the election where Malaysia transit to a multiparty democracy and elections are not do-or-die battles that cause deep divisions in our society.

“It is time to heal and for all parties to play our part to ensure that the people are the true winner of this election.”

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