Bersih: No legitimate reasons to delay swearing-in of new PM

PETALING JAYA: There are no legitimate reasons to delay the swearing-in of the new Prime Minister of Malaysia, said Bersih 2.0.

The Coalition of Free and Fair Elections echoed calls for the Palace to appoint the new government and Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister without delay as "mandated by the citizens of Malaysia".

"The Federal Constitution only requires the Prime Minister to enjoy the confidence of the majority of the members of Parliament and has no mention of political parties," Bersih 2.0 acting chairman Shahrul Aman said in a press conference on Thursday (May 10).

"Bersih therefore calls on Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to concede defeat and allow for a peaceful transition of power to take place," he added.

Shahrul said delaying the swearing-in could have adverse effects on the economy and markets, among other things.

"A leaderless country is a country that is open to a lot of risk," he added.

He added that Bersih 2.0 would continue to ensure that the Election Commission is held accountable and ensure that the new government reforms the Societies Act 1966 to ensure the Registrar of Societies does not have arbitrary power to limit freedom of association.

He said civil society could now continue to monitor the new Federal Government without fear or favour.

"This is a historic time for the country, with the first transition of federal power since Merdeka (independence).

"It is imperative that this transition can be done smoothly, democratically, and efficiently," he said.

He also congratulated Malaysians, candidates, polling and counting agents, election workers, volunteers and media professionals for participating in the nation's democratic process.