PETALING JAYA: Following the six state elections, all sides of the political divide have been urged to get back to the business of governing.
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) said that all political parties should now focus on institutional reforms, policy-making and good governance.
“Both government and opposition at federal and state levels play a pivotal role in ensuring the proper governance and administration of Malaysia and the respective states.
"Most importantly, there must be compromise, cooperation and synergy between both the federal and state governments in the formation and implementation of policies.
"The way forward for a true Malaysian federation is for all states to receive their fair share of allocations and resources, regardless of the coalition that governs the state,” said Ideas chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Tricia Yeoh in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 16).
She also said that there is now greater electoral contestation in Malaysian politics, adding that this is positive in a healthy democracy.
Preliminary analysis of election results suggested that even though there were some areas where some parties could claim victory, the overall results showed that no party can rest on their laurels, said Yeoh.
"Voters are now more willing to transfer their votes to a different party if their preferred party has failed to deliver. Gone are the days of single-party dominance," she said.
Yeah however noted with concern that there was no opposition bloc in the Terengganu state legislative assembly.
To ensure check and balance, Ideas backed Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar's call to implement the backbenchers' system, where backbenchers must exercise greater vigilance in keeping the state government accountable.
Ideas also recommended Parliamentary Select Committees (PSC) be formed and institutionalised at the state assembly level in all states, saying that it can add another layer of check and balance, and be a platform for civil society organisations (CSOs) and experts to provide inputs.
Yeoh added that this was a good time for state governments to demonstrate leadership in good governance.
“Given the current fluid and dynamic nature of Malaysian politics, all political parties should enact institutional reforms to minimise incumbency advantages.
"Regardless of whichever political party or coalition is in government, opposition representatives must be treated equitably as those in government," said Yeoh.
Ideas also urged all political parties to commit to passing the Political Financing Act (PFA) to ensure transparency and accountability in political financing.
"We would also like to see the enactment of the Constituency Development Fund Act (CDFA) at the state level to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of CDFs to all parties.
"Additionally, state governments should also commit to a more transparent budgeting process,” added Yeoh.
She also said that there is a greater need to bridge the increasing divide between Malaysia’s different races, religions, regions, social classes, economic backgrounds and beliefs.
Taking concrete action in this respect is challenging and complex, but must be committed to by all Malaysians, said Yeoh.
"Ideas remain ready to contribute in any way we can," she said.
