Perikatan says no to inter-party peace deal by Bersih

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) has dismissed calls from the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) for an inter-party peace deal aimed at ensuring political stability in the country.

New Straits Times today reported PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as saying that genuine stability arises from effective leadership that guides the nation with clarity and strategic planning while suggesting that changes in government are acceptable within legal and democratic parameters, particularly when the existing administration is unstable.

“The rakyat's rejection in the state elections was due to their disappointment with what is happening and the unclear direction, particularly over economic issues and the cost of living.

“If the existing government is unstable, of course, the people would want to see a more stable government.

“As long as it is within the legal framework and the democratic system that is the core of the country, everything can happen,” he was quoted as saying.

Federal Territories PN information chief Mahathir Mohd Rais stressed the importance of distinguishing between political manoeuvring and genuine concern for the nation's welfare when evaluating proposals for a peace deal.

He maintained that stability must not suppress legitimate political dissent or obstruct necessary changes in leadership.

Although he acknowledged that Bersih's proposal was driven by their advocacy, he stressed that PN must prioritise the welfare of the people they represent.

“The results of the recent six state elections, where we (PN) secured 146 out of 245 seats, indicate a shift in the electorate's sentiment and an evident mandate for change.

“It underscores the need for the government to recognise the voice of a significant portion of the populace,” he was quoted as saying.

However, representatives from the unity government have expressed their support for this proposal.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi hoped that the proposal would be presented at a supreme council meeting.

He suggested that non-governmental organisations could lead efforts to pressure the main parties, Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional and PN to accept the proposition as he underscored the need to prioritise national stability until the upcoming 16th general election.

“I am sure Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will agree. He needs to focus on the economy of the people and the country in this difficult time.

“Hopefully, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be open to accepting Bersih's suggestion,” he was quoted as saying, adding that PN would need a stable and peaceful environment to create opportunities for progress in Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah.

Pakatan Harapan Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen echoed the sentiment of unity, stability, and economic focus, stating that reconciliation was essential for investor confidence and consistency in economic policies.

“I think if there is a need to have a written understanding or agreement, just like what was signed (previously), a memorandum of understanding or a confidence and supply agreement, this has to be properly discussed.”

“Even in his speech at the end of the state elections, the PM called for reconciliation and togetherness to rebuild our nation.

“Such reconciliation is important for stability because it results in greater confidence for investors, as well as certainty and consistency in economic policies that are important to building a conducive ecosystem for investors,” he was quoted as saying.

While PKR deputy information chief Datuk R. Ramanan criticised the Opposition for prioritising politics over collaboration with the unity government for the betterment of the nation.

"Despite the many offers (from Anwar), they never took them up, instead, they continue to harp on the fact that they want allocations - we want this, we want that,” he was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.

On August 14, the electoral watch group reiterated its call for the unity government and the Opposition pact to sign an inter-party peace deal following the conclusion of the six-state elections.

Bersih believes this agreement would not only reassure the public but also domestic and international investors, allowing the country to concentrate on economic recovery.

On July 16, Bersih issued a statement calling the federal government and the Opposition to ink an inter-party peace deal after the state elections.

The reform group stated that the endless politicking that has engulfed the nation these past few years intensified with each upcoming election has not only distracted multiple governments from the task of governing but has also dismayed the vast majority of Malaysians who just want to get on with the daily challenges of life.