Bersih ranks Ismail Sabri as best PM since 2009

BERSIH has given the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Madani government a grade “D” in its mid-term evaluation, attributing the poor performance to the coalition government’s failure to carry out significant institutional reforms.

The electoral watchdog also ranked Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the best prime minister since 2009.

Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said the unity government’s grade reflected its limited progress in carrying out reforms as well as the gap between its rhetoric and action.

It ranked Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, when he led the PH government, in second spot, followed by Anwar, Tan Sri  Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

In its presentation of the 'government’s report card' Bersih said there has been no meaningful progress on key issues such as constituency malapportionment, gerrymandering, or the introduction of absentee voting for outstation voters, despite campaign promises to address these.

“The government also failed to initiate policies to ensure fair representation, leaving crucial electoral reforms unaddressed," said Faisal.

“The lack of significant reforms under Anwar is perplexing, particularly given that the unity government enjoys a strong parliamentary majority," he said.

However, Bersih recognised Anwar’s willingness to engage with civil society, saying he was the first sitting prime minister to hold an engagement with the group, which took place earlier this year.

“In our meeting with the prime minister, we urged Anwar to make efforts to deliver, with a clear timeline and adequate resources, a list of outstanding reform pledges.

“Nine months have passed since we met with the prime minister and there is still no urgency or seriousness in pursuing major electoral, institutional and civil liberty reforms.”

Bersih urged Anwar’s administration to enact several laws before the next nationwide polls, including the Parliamentary Services Act, Political Financing Act, Fixed Term Parliament Act, as well as a law on equal development funds for MPs

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has welcomed views from all groups and stakeholders over the “D” grading from Bersih.

He said the people were entitled to their feedback on the performance of the Madani government, which has been in Putrajaya for almost two years. . - November 20, 2024