POLLS watchdog Bersih said it was disappointed that the Anwar Ibrahim administration had failed to deliver several low-hanging fruits in its 100 days in power.

Among them is continuing the allocation of constituency development funds to opposition MPs despite promises made in both the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional manifestos, it said.

It also highlighted the lack of transparency and parliamentary oversight in the appointment of key public officers, including the attorney-general, members of the Election Commission and the Public Services Commission.

It said the other missed opportunities were:

– No tabling of the constitutional amendment bill to effect a 10-year tenure limit for the prime minister.

– No tabling of the Political Financing Bill although this has been worked on by four consecutive governments.

– No tabling of the Parliamentary Services Bill despite discussions since the tenure of former Dewan Rakyat speaker Ariff Yusof.

– No repeal or review by a parliamentary committee of the Sedition Act 1948, Official Secrets Act 1972, Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, Printing Press and Publication Act 1984, Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

– No setting up of committees more than two months after members of the 15th parliament have been sworn in.

However, Bersih said it was commendable that the unity government had carried out some institutional reforms in its first 100 days.

These include:

– The prime minister question time at the Dewan Rakyat.

– The increase in the number of motions from two to four in the special chamber.

– The initial discussion between the law and institutional reforms minister and the solicitor-general on the separation of the Prosecution Division from the AGC and the setting up of an independent law commission.

Bersih said there was still much to be done and wanted some urgent steps to be taken in the next 100 days.

“We urge the government and parliament to take efforts to deliver the three following reforms in the next 100 days, which may require Dewan Rakyat to have more sitting days than what are currently scheduled.

“First, setting up of special select committees and permanent select committees, including one on elections and multiparty democracy.

“Second, a parliamentary act to provide for an equitable constituency development fund for all parliamentarians.

“Thirdly, recognition and empowerment of Perikatan Nasional’s shadow cabinet with allowance, research officers and information access,” it said.

Bersih also urged the government to implement even more institutional reforms in the next one year. – March 4, 2023.