Hard to execute reforms without strong political base, says former PKR MP

A FORMER PKR MP has assured that the party’s much-touted reforms are on course towards realisation but can only happen in stages owing to the country’s political complexity, global uncertainties and the socioeconomic dynamics.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is weaving together reforms which can be sustainable and enduring, but it cannot be done overnight, nor within months, said Yusmadi Yusoff.

First on the agenda is solidifying the national unity political base, which now includes former rivals Barisan Nasional (BN), and winning over meaningful support in Sabah as well as Sarawak.

“The ultimate outcome is everyone coming together now to realise that the reforms will benefit all in the long-term but they must sacrifice for it,” said the former Balik Pulau MP and senator.

“If they do not feel it, perhaps their children and grandchildren can have that prospect of enjoying life better than us.

“We simply cannot execute reforms if there is no strong political base,” he added.

“There have been examples in other countries which began the change but faltered midway due to the lack of political alliance, and disruptions from global events such as the pandemic.”

Reforms need time and space and most importantly, it needs to be sustainable, he said.

The first phase of Anwar’s reform goals is consolidation by convincing previous foes, who are now allies, to accept wholeheartedly that the country needs reforms from top to bottom, said Yusmadi in an interview.

This is followed by the challenge from an economy wired to global happenings, and ensuring that race and religion are not exploited, he added.

There is also the need to entice a sincere buy-in from both the public and private sectors to reform themselves.

Then, there are large-scale corruptions done with stealth which need the federal government’s undivided attention to eradicate, said Yusmadi, who used to head the PKR international bureau.

“So if you ask me, reforms are a work in progress which will surely happen. But they need to be done in stages.

“Anwar has just over a year in office. He is facing decades of systemic corruption to undo.”

Yusmadi, however, expressed that the pace to execute the reforms can be heightened due to the urgency for the sake of the economy, which is bogged by the falling ringgit and high living costs.

He also admitted that there is pressure from civil society to quicken the pace of reforms but they must be patient as “Rome was not built in one day.” – The Vibes, February 26, 2024.