KUALA LUMPUR: The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) today slammed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, who said that the party should use its position as the government of the day to channel resources and projects to division chiefs.
Bersih 2.0 steering committee in a statement today also questioned whether Rashid and the delegates had forgotten why Malaysians rejected the previous Umno/Barisan Nasional government during 14th General Election.
“It makes one wonder if the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government in general, and Bersatu specifically, is committed to electoral and institutional reforms.
“The abuse of power by the ruling elites through the channeling of government resources, corruption and political patronage was such a revolting stench that united Malaysians to say “enough is enough” on May 9.
“To be the government is not a reward but a responsibility entrusted to politicians by the people. Serve diligently, effectively and honestly and the people will renew the contract every five years.
“Should one abuse their power to enrich themselves, people will take back that power and the law will be brought to bear on one,” the statement read.
Rashid, a former Election Commission chief, in his winding up speech during Bersatu second general assembly yesterday had called for the use of government resources to help the party during elections.
He said that the party must do all it could to win elections “by hook or by crook” and said that it is “stupid” to think that party leaders should not get help from the government.
In the statement, Bersih 2.0 also applauded Bersatu’s youth wing; Armada, which had immediately rejected the suggestion made by Rashid.
“The fact that these future leaders of the party understand that such culture of corruption must be eradicated is most encouraging,” the statement read.
In the same statement, Bersih 2.0 also urged Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, who is the chairman of Bersatu, to immediately address the root of corruption in political establishments by hastening the implementation of several acts; namely Administrative Neutrality Act and Political Financing Control Act.
“By having Administrative Neutrality Act, those who commit the crime could face criminal prosecution while those who fail to justify their act may be subject to administrative penalties such as termination of service, demotion or transfer.
“While Political Financing Control Act will allow transparency in political financing and establish rules on access to political funding, limits on contributions, expenditures and disclosures. This is Promise 18 in the PH manifesto and it should be introduced without delay.”
The steering committee said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission must also be given autonomy and power through constitutional and legal amendments as well as to empower the Election Commission with power to prosecute.