Article adapted from thestar.com.my *key note in bold*

Fresh policies for non-BN states

By ROYCE CHEAH

PETALING JAYA: The Opposition coalition will implement fresh policies, ranging from having business-friendly and free-market operations to promoting greater accountability and transparency in business dealings, in the five states it has won.

PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the coalition would have a no-tolerance policy on corruption and also divorce civil servants from doing business with the government thereby reducing incentives for cronyism.

“We will stop the practice of awarding projects to family relatives and cronies.

“The party will also honour its promises to protect the marginalised from each ethnic community,” he told a press conference at the PKR office here yesterday.

He added that the coalition would also initiate dialogues in the coming weeks with existing foreign investors in the five states to ensure investor confidence remains strong during the transition period.

As for the slide in the stock market, Anwar said it was due to the surprise Opposition win and would not persist unless the Barisan Nasional chooses to punish and withhold development funds to states.

Anwar, who also played down talk that he would be the next Opposition leader, said the new coalition of parties in the opposition-held states (apart from Kelantan which is ruled by PAS) would make decisions by consensus.

He said the special rights of Malays would continue but non-Malays would be treated fairly and given adequate representation.

Anwar said Opposition promises that could be delivered within the respective states would be honoured.

“This means the core principle of good governance and respecting constitutional rights is maintained.

“For example, there is no way we will tolerate the Mentri Besar or state executive council members buying new cars or having posh offices.

“They can use whatever they have.”

Anwar also said there was a possibility the Opposition might form a shadow Cabinet to monitor ministers appointed by the Barisan.

“We are certainly looking at it and there was an initial discussion about it. I think we will be a good Opposition, but we must be given some time to decide how this will be done.”

Meanwhile, PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa emphasised that the new state governments would be investor-friendly and that the phenomenon of projects enriching only small groups would stop.

“It is better if policies are prudent so that everyone can compete and have the same chances,” he said.