Bersih 2.0: Unity govt against spirit of democracy, better to have fresh polls

PETALING JAYA: A unity government is against the spirit of democracy, says electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0.

The coalition’s steering committee said that having a unity government would mean there will be no opposition to the government of the day.

“There would be no parties to carry out effective checks and balances, to hold the government accountable.

“The people would also have no alternatives on who to represent them, ” it said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 25).

Bersih 2.0 expressed concerns after the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement the same day, saying that interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was meeting with leaders of all political parties.

It further pointed out the risk of a unity government, saying it can become kleptocratic where all parties join hands to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.

“Such a scenario must not be allowed to happen. Bersih 2.0 opposes such a government as it goes against the spirit of democracy.

“Democracy is about allowing political parties with different ideologies to compete against each other for the right to govern and implement policies based on their ideologies.

“In doing so, they work hard to win votes knowing that if they fail to perform, they would be voted out at the elections, ” it said.

Should the Yang di-Pertuan Agong still be unable to determine who commands the majority support in Parliament and which coalition can form the government, Bersih 2.0 said that Parliament should then be dissolved.

“Let the rakyat choose the parties or coalitions they want as their government for five years, ” it added.

Earlier, Barisan Nasional and PAS called for Parliament to be dissolved to give way to an election due to the current political uncertainty in the country.

In a special press conference on Tuesday, Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the power to decide should be returned to the people.

He also said that they reject Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal for a unity government.