KUALA LUMPUR – A collective of civil society organisations (CSOs) has lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s apparent commitment to institutional reform, highlighting several achievements under the first 100 days of his administration.
The CSO Platform for Reform labelled the formation of a Law and Institutional Reform Ministry, led by minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, as “a particularly good thing” in Anwar’s cabinet, as it indicates a serious commitment by his government towards honouring the reform agenda.
“By January, the ministry, through its Legal Affairs Division, had organised a workshop on institutional reform between the government and CSOs.
“The CSO Platform is hoping for a constructive outcome from the workshop,” the collection of 60 CSOs said in its freshly released report on the first 100 days of the unity government.
It also applauded Azalina’s stance on prioritising the separation of powers between the attorney-general and public prosecutor, as well as her announcement on the government establishing a public ombudsman to better handle cases of misconduct by civil servants.
The report also praised the establishment of an independent children’s commission under the purview of the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) and the move to transfer detained children to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) specialising in children’s welfare.
This victory not only indicates the government’s commitment toward safeguarding children’s rights and interests, but also (signals) that NGOs and CSOs are relied upon as trustworthy and strategic partners,” the report noted.
The coalition had similar praises to sing for Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who it labelled as “among the best-performing ministers” in the unity government due to his various spot-checks and commitment towards maintaining public transport facilities.
Not all roses
Despite the praise, the coalition also pointed out that Anwar has kept mum on certain issues, including Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki’s position within the anti-graft body.
“Where MACC is concerned, Anwar (said) that he is in the midst of enhancing asset declaration to make the process more transparent to accurately reflect politicians’ wealth.
“However, at the time these statements were made, Azam Baki continued to serve as MACC chief and is still in office today.
“This is despite his stock ownership scandal and internal investigations conducted (against him),” it said.
In January last year, hundreds of Malaysians took to the streets to urge the government to take action against Azam after he was embroiled in a controversy surrounding his ownership of shares in two public-listed companies.
Besides that, the report also mentions the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Act, which Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said would come into force in June this year.
“Concerns surrounding the IPCC include that it does not have sufficient investigative and enforcement powers or independence (as) findings by the IPCC are referred to the Police Force Commission Board, which is not obligated to implement the recommendations or report back to the IPCC.
CSO Platform is concerned that the IPCC will only become a waste of resources if investigations continue to be contained within institutions that already experience distrust from citizens,” it said.
Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah had previously expressed similar concerns, advocating instead for the establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
In its recommendations to the government, the report suggested that an independent Law Reform Commission be formed alongside the IPCMC to review, draft, and make laws and related processes “equitable, modern, fair, and efficient”.
Earlier this month, The Vibes had reported on how Anwar’s unity government is not free from political mishaps and genuine concerns over its ability to render change, despite promising progress toward institutional reforms. – The Vibes, March 14, 2023
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