Don’t waste chance for large-scale reforms, think tank tells opposition

A graphic that went viral on social media recently after reports that MPs would be crossing over to other parties. SEEDS said an anti-hopping law was welcome to bring greater stability.

KOTA KINABALU:

A think tank believes Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s offer of bipartisan political cooperation is an opportunity for much-needed institutional reforms in the country.

The Society Empowerment and Economic Development of Sabah (SEEDS) said it was time for the political instability plaguing the nation be resolved through discussions.

The think tank added that all political parties needed to put a halt to politicking and instead work together to address the Covid-19 pandemic as well as prioritise the country’s economic recovery.

“The chance for reform of this magnitude must not be wasted by the opposition,” it said in a statement here today.

“What must be done now is for the government to hold discussions with the opposition, regardless of their differences and refine the proposals (by the prime minister) and subsequently frame the agreed terms to implement the proposals.

“In short, both sides must make the first move to talk, not only about the proposals made. The opposition can use this opportunity to table what they want.

“Hence, taking into account the current situation, SEEDS believes the proposals made by the prime minister merit serious consideration by everyone, particularly the leadership of the opposition parties.”

The organisation added that the proposals would not only ensure the government can function well to battle the pandemic and economic crisis but also become a good starting point to reform the administration and government institutions.

During his televised address yesterday, Muhyiddin had proposed a number of reforms should he win September’s vote of confidence in Parliament, including a two-term limit for the prime minister, equal allocations for MPs and an anti-party-hopping law.

SEEDS said the anti-hopping law was welcome in view of the effects on the stability of a government due to the action of elected representatives defecting to other parties.

The proposal to limit the term of the prime minister also warranted serious attention and deeper study.

“The introduction of this law will basically open up the avenue for change in the leadership of political parties in Malaysia and subsequently enhance the people’s confidence in the parliamentary democratic system in the country,” it said.

LatestHeadlines

Don’t waste chance for large-scale reforms, think tank tells opposition

The Society Empowerment and Economic Development of Sabah says it is time for the political instability plaguing the nation to be resolved through discussions.