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Umno man’s attack on Bersih won’t sour ties with PH, say analysts

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James Chin says Razlan Rafii’s comments may have support among Pakatan Harapan supporters, while Azmi Hassan believes it was intended to defend the unity government.

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Free Malaysia Today
Bersih has long championed electoral reform in Malaysia, and its efforts contributed significantly to Pakatan Harapan wresting Putrajaya from Barisan Nasional in the historic 2018 general election. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:
Political analysts have brushed aside Umno Supreme Council member Razlan Rafii’s criticism of Bersih, saying it is unlikely to affect Pakatan Harapan’s relationship with its supporters.

At a forum last week, Bersih gave the government an “F” grade, saying it had failed to fulfil promises to introduce political finance laws and impose term limits on the prime minister’s tenure in office.

In response, Razlan said the government should view Bersih’s demands with caution, claiming some were “illogical”. He also accused the group of “playing politics” and said it had lost its relevance.

Free Malaysia Today
James Chin.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania said although the majority of PH supporters would likely agree with Razlan’s comments, the government needs more time to implement promised reforms.

“Everyone is unhappy with Bersih because PH thinks they are genuinely laying the groundwork for reform.

“PH also told Bersih they need more time to implement reforms, so they were very surprised that the electoral reform group openly attacked them during the convention,” he told FMT.

Bersih has been seen as a champion for electoral reform in Malaysia. Its efforts are said to have significantly contributed to PH coming to power following the historic 2018 general election which unseated Barisan Nasional after six decades in office.

PH leaders have previously said it is not in a position to deliver on all its election pledges as the coalition does not have sole charge of Putrajaya, being part of the unity government involving other parties, including BN.

However, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin recently defended Bersih’s role, urging the unity government to heed calls by civil society to put in place much-needed institutional reforms and improvements to the country’s election laws.

But Chin said Bersih may be “barking up the wrong tree” as the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has already laid out his plans on several fronts.

Free Malaysia Today
Azmi Hassan.

“Reforms such as the subsidy rationalisation and the separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles are in motion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said PH may view Razlan’s criticism positively as an effort to defend the unity government.

Despite the public’s impatience, meaningful reforms take time and cannot happen instantly.

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