IPOH: Political instability will kill off any chance of comprehensive institutional reform, say six civil society organisations (CSOs).

Commenting on Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s recent claim that the Himpunan Turun Anwar rally on Saturday (July 26) had the backing of top CSOs, they said their meeting with him on July 1 was not connected to the planned gathering in any way.

In a joint statement on Friday (July 25), Bersih, C4 Center, Ideas, Projek Sama, Pusat Komas and Transparency International Malaysia said they met the Larut MP and other parliamentarians to discuss critical matters regarding institutional reform, which they felt should be taken up by Perikatan Nasional as the main Opposition.

The CSOs said comprehensive, robust reform can only come about with the support of all parties, whether they are in the government or the Opposition.

“This is based on our national political experience and the lessons learned since the change of government in 2018, the Sheraton Move, multiple changes of prime minister, and the memorandum of understanding between (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration) and Pakatan Harapan,” the statement read.

“We want to see more institutional reform beyond what has been achieved so far by the Madani government.

“This requires not only the determination of the government, but also effective (action by) the Opposition, including the four states under Perikatan, in terms of ideas and commitment,” it added.

The CSOs said institutional reform would benefit all parties in the long run, which was why it should be given unanimous support.

“On this basis, we reject any mid-term change of government like the Sheraton Move that threw the country’s politics into disarray during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even if there is a change of government, the new administration may lack the clarity or commitment to implement institutional reform, or may be too fragile to undertake any meaningful change.

“It is only when all parties are racing towards reform that the movement can be driven and steered effectively,” it added.

The CSOs believed that institutional reform is a safeguard for the people to hold those in power accountable, preventing the abuse of power and authority for political or personal gain.

“Towards this end, we have engaged, discussed and held forums with MPs across political lines to push for the implementation of institutional reform under the Madani government.

” We want to see the implementation of institutional reforms that will provide a level playing field for all parties in the 16th General Election,” they added.

They pointed out that the Opposition is duty-bound to the people to provide checks and balances for the benefit of the country.

“Malaysia has so much to offer internationally, and this can only happen if we uphold the values of human rights, good governance and accountability.

“We will continue to remain on this path of demanding institutional reform, serving as an important bloc representing the people’s demands,” they added.