Bersih’s ‘D’ grade highlights urgent need for reforms, say PH leaders

PETALING JAYA: Several Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders believe that the “D” grade given by Bersih on the unity government’s performance should be taken seriously, with some calling for immediate reforms, as promised.

Amanah Youth chief Hasbie Muda said although the government might not fully agree with the assessment, he believes Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration is open to constructive criticism.

“Bersih’s evaluation cannot be dismissed. Positive feedback should be embraced and reforms must be expedited.

“Anwar has reiterated the government’s commitment to the reform agenda but intends to implement it gradually and in phases.

“However, I feel that the process needs to be accelerated, and the timeframe for implementation must be clarified,” he told FMT.

PKR veteran Hassan Karim noted that the unity government has shown improvement, having previously been graded “F” by the election watchdog several months ago.

“In my view, this is progress. Moving from an ‘F’ to a ‘D’ grade indicates an improvement of two levels. If the Anwar-led government focusses on improving the economy, it has a bright future in the next election.

“In two or three years, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Madani government’s performance could achieve an A- or even an A+,” the Pasir Gudang MP said.

“If Anwar prioritises tackling poverty and reducing income inequality through the right economic programmes, the unity government will gain broad support from the people,” he added.

Yesterday, Bersih graded the government a “D” for its performance in the two years since its formation and ranked Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the best prime minister since 2009.

Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said the unity government’s grade reflected its limited progress in carrying out reforms as well as the gap between its rhetoric and action.

Earlier today, economy minister Rafizi Ramli said he welcomed views from any group, after Bersih’s “D” grade, adding that the people were entitled to their opinion on the performance of the unity government.

The Pandan MP said the unity government will remain focussed on balancing programmes that deal with the cost of living and economic growth, with structural reforms in the human rights and legal sectors.