Peter John Jaban says the inclusion of those facing trial in the Cabinet would herald a return to the politics of patronage and cronyism.
PETALING JAYA: Veteran human rights activist Peter John Jaban has warned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the unity government is unstable and comprises “unwilling members”.
The Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) vice-secretary said Anwar must also not forget the risk of placing members of the “court cluster” in the Cabinet.
“He might think that he is placating his partners, but he is putting them in a position to challenge him. Only the continued support of the people will keep him in place,” he said in a statement.
He added that if Anwar continued to alienate his supporters, he would not be able to hold his position as prime minister for long.
According to Peter, the people are worried that Anwar’s inclusion of individuals who are facing trial in the Cabinet would herald a return to the politics of patronage and cronyism.
“Although everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, they should not have been given ministerial responsibilities until they have cleared their names”, he said, adding that this is standard Parliamentary practice in other democracies.
He was referring to the appointment of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as one of two deputy prime ministers in Anwar’s unity government. Zahid, who has also been appointed rural and regional development minister, is facing trial on 47 counts of corruption, criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering.
“Anwar has failed this first test, but he can move forward with judicial reforms to show that corruption has no place in our society. To maintain confidence in his promises on reformation, his next move will be crucial,” Peter said.
The general election (GE15) on Nov 19 led to a hung Parliament.
A few days later, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to Anwar’s appointment as prime minister following discussions with the Malay rulers.
The PKR president now leads a unity government comprising Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Anwar also has the support of MPs from Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), and two independents which, he said, gives his government a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
His newly-formed Cabinet comprises members from PH (15) through PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko; BN (6) through Umno; GPS (5) through PBB, PRS and PDP; and GRS (1) through Sabah Bersatu. New religious affairs minister, Na’im Mokhtar, is not a member of party.
