PETALING JAYA: The government’s offer to table parliamentary and government administration reforms should be supported by the Opposition bloc, say political pundits.

       Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the Opposition should support the proposals, describing the move as the “best opportunity to reform Parliament, political parties, leadership and the delivery system”.

       “Based on the present scenario, the Opposition should look at the long-term political stability and how to restore the confidence and trust in the institution itself.

       “I hope the government would allow debates while on the Opposition part, they can give their recommendations on how to improve the proposals.

       “The ruling government and opposition bloc must see this as something ‘beyond politics’ for the betterment of the nation and to protect democracy as well,” he said.

       Prof Sivamurugan added that the Opposition should not look at this as a political tool for the survival of the prime minister or the government.

       “This must be seen as a move to restore stability and certainty for the nation,” he said.

       He acknowledged there might be issues with the Opposition raising its concerns over the anti-hopping law or seeking details into limiting the prime minister’s tenure.

       However, he said it was premature to reject these proposals outright and called for a fruitful debate to have a better understanding of them.

       Before bringing these proposals to Parliament, Prof Sivamurugan said various discussions could be held first such as when former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman held Undi18 talks with all MPs, or by forming various committees to look into issues.

       On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Cabinet agreed and committed itself to parliamentary and government administration reforms and offered to table several proposals.

       The proposals include limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years, an anti-hopping law and amendments to relevant laws to make Undi18 a reality.

       Others are ensuring balanced membership between government and opposition lawmakers in parliamentary select committees and that all Bills, including the Supply Bill, will be discussed and agreed upon collectively.

       Opposition members will be involved in the National Recovery Council and the Opposition Leader will be given perks and facilities on par with those of a minister.

       Universiti Utara Malaysia political lecturer Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said these reforms were the same that the Opposition had been fighting for under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.

       “So, I think they should welcome these proposals. I cannot see any arguments to reject them unless they are deeply sceptical of the government’s intention.

       “But I think now is not the right time to be doubtful when we are dealing with so many issues.

       “With these proposals in place, we hope the government can be stable and that there will be no more political crises until the end of the mandate and the next general election,” he added.

       Prof Mohd Azizuddin also said the proposed reforms were timely as they would be good for the country.

       “I think this is a good start for the prime minister, to bring the Opposition to work together on certain issues, particularly in dealing with the economy and Covid-19,” he added.

       Political analyst Prof Wong Chin Huat agreed that the Opposition should support the proposals but at the same time, must also ask for more reforms.

       “The Prime Minister should not offer less than what the former premier (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) offered.

       “One glaring omission is equal constituency funding for all MPs,” he added.