PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) today rejected Bersih’s call for an inter-coalition peace deal to ensure political stability.

It said stability should not come at the expense of reforms, including a change of leadership that has failed to serve the nation’s interests.  

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said stability is not only about agreement but in the leadership’s ability to steer the nation in the right direction.

He said a change of government should be allowed as long as it is done within the boundaries of the law and democracy and  especially if the administration is unstable.

“The people’s rejection (of the unity government) was due to their disappointment with (current events) and the unclear direction (of the government), particularly in economic issues and the cost of living,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Electoral watchdog Bersih has repeatedly called for the unity government and the opposition to sign an inter-coalition peace agreement for political stability.

The electoral reform group said such a pact would assure Malaysians and foreign investors of economic rejuvenation.

Federal Territories Perikatan Nasional information chief Mahathir Mohd Rais said it is vital for his coalition to differentiate between  political manoeuvring and genuine concern for the nation’s welfare.

The peace deal, he added, was rooted in the idea of stability and intended to prevent the overthrowing of the government,

He said stability must not mean stifling genuine dissent or preventing change if the leadership is not acting in the nation’s best interests.

He said PN should put the interests of the people it represents first.

“The results of the recent six state elections – in which we secured 146 of the 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.” – August 16, 2023.