CIVIL societies should maintain their roles as a check on the government instead of clamouring to join the new Pakatan Harapan administration, said Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.

The founding president of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) said many of the country’s leading civil society groups’ figures had joined the government post-GE14.

“Since the election I have found that almost all my friends in civil society want to join the government.

“And if they are a part of the government then they can no longer play that role (of looking out for society).

 “That is why it is important for civil society to remain independent,” he said at the forum, Importance of a Strong Opposition for a Vibrant Democracy, today.

Institutional Reforms Committee member Ambiga Sreenevasan, Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah and IDEAS’ Wan Saiful Wan Jan are among those who have recently joined the government.

Ambiga was formerly the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president, Maria was Bersih 2.0 chairman and Wan Safiul was the IDEAS chief executive officer.

Tunku Zain said this did not mean he thought they had made a wrong decision.

“I’m not saying I disagree with it. It’s good to have competent people in government but you can’t have everyone doing that.

“I believe in the individual’s choice and they should make up their own minds.

“But it is bad for democracy if all of civil society joins the government.

Tunku Zain added that oppressive legislation must be repealed and there must be parliamentary reform.

“It is all about check and balance.”

The Dewan Rakyat will on July 16 sit for the first time since the new Pakatan Harapan government was sworn. – June 9, 2018.