INSTITUTIONAL reforms will go down the drain, corrupt politicians will be back in power and most frightening is the possibility that politicians charged with numerous crimes will be let off the hook.

These are the concerns of civil society groups and activists on the possibility of snap elections if Parliament cannot choose a lawmaker with a clear majority to be the prime minister on Monday.

They also called for the mandate to be returned to Pakatan Harapan, which was voted into power on May 9, 2018.

Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) executive director Cynthia Gabriel told The Malaysian Insight it is frightening to think that “corrupt politicians” could very well be back in power.

“That’s a very frightening thought,” she said.

She also expressed concern that charges levelled against some opposition politicians will be dropped once the old regime returns.

“I am deeply worried that this will happen as that has been their agenda all along.”

Adding that the mandate should be returned to PH to complete its term, Cynthia said reforms made by the 22-month-old government will be rolled back.

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan said one of the concerns is whether the promises in the manifesto will be fulfilled, as not all have been seen through.

Muhammad said the promises can only be fulfilled if PH comes back to power.

It’s unlikely that reforms already been made will be reversed if interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad stays on as prime minister, he said.

However, Muhammad said the concern is that whether bills such as the Political Funding Bill and the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission 2019 (IPCMC) Bill will be tabled if there is a new government.

Cynthia and Muhammad were commenting on the possibility of fresh elections if Parliament is unable to pick a prime minister on Monday.

Dr Mahathir said yesterday that Parliament will be summoned on Monday to find a leader who has the majority support to become prime minister.

The interim prime minister said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is unable to find any MP who commands a majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat.

Lawyer cum activist Siti Kasim told The Malaysian Insight the economy doesn’t need snap elections but needs a huge injection of political stability.

“Malaysia has got a massive challenge right now in revitalising our economy and revamping our education system,” she said.

“Our economy, especially, does not need snap elections. We need a huge injection of growth with political stability.

“So even without a new government, we are already in massive troubles with our economy.”

The National Patriots Association (Patriot) also concurred that the economy will be affected if there are snap elections.

“If a new government if formed, how long will it take them to settle down? At least four months with new ministers coming in. How fast can they learn?

“That is why we want PH even though they have a slim majority they should be allowed to form the government. We have to respect the people’s mandate,” said capt (rtd) Dr Wong Ang Peng, who is the association’s spokesman.

“If the old regime comes back, then all our efforts for reform will go down the drain.

“They will sack Tommy Thomas (attorney-general) and few others who have been combatting graft and promoting liberal views, they will go for those who try to bring in moderate views and to implement reforms,” Wong said.

Cartoonist Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque or Zunar said this is not about politics but the country.

“This is not about Dr Mahathir but the country. It will be destroyed if Dr Mahathir goes back to Umno,” he said, explaining that this could happened if a coalition is formed with Umno.

“The only way to save the country is by saving Pakatan Harapan,” he said, adding that if that fails, Malaysia will return to the old days, deprived of hope. – February 28, 2020.