Nurul Izzah to move for reforms in Parliament

Re-elected Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar will push for “political, election and parliamentary reforms” when the next session of Parliament convenes following the recently-concluded general election.

Nurul Izzah said Malaysians were calling for restoration of “democracy before reconciliation”,  in view of allegations of fraud and “exploitation of race-based politics” that preceded the election and marred its outcome.

“The government’s lack of  legitimacy with the Malaysian public is the issue at hand, not any manufactured need for reconciliation”, she said in a statement today.

“Malaysians of all races and religions, especially young Malaysians, have discovered and embraced their unity as citizens against corruption and racism.

“They will not be reconciled with the theft of their democratic rights, accompanied by yet more extreme jingoism. ” she said.

'Much-needed impetus'

Nurulk Izzah was referring to the call for “national reconciliation” by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left), who at the same time pinned the GE13 outcome, in which Pakatan won 51 percent of the popular the votes, on a “Chinese tsunami”.

“I will be moving, subject to legal advice, several Private Member’s Bills and other initiatives in Parliament calling for political, election and parliamentary reforms. 

“These will, together, provide the much-needed impetus for the rehabilitation of our nation.”

The PKR vice-president listed the reforms that were needed - separation of powers, electoral reforms, good governance and empowerment of the fourth estate and third voice.

Separation of powers:

• Restore judicial power to the courts under the federal constitution so they are equal to Parliament and the executive.

• Reform the Judicial Appointments Commission Act.

Electoral reforms:

• Two-year review process by a royal commission of all dubious citizenship registrations currently on the National Registration Department (NRD)’s database and the electoral roll.

• Lower voter age from 21 to 18 years.

• Allow for automatic registration of voters.

• Remove Section 9A of the Elections Act 1958 to return the power to the judiciary to review the electoral roll.

• Election Commission (EC) chairperson and top officers must not have any political affiliation and must report to an independent committee comprising all political parties.

• Ensure all parliamentary seats only have a maximum voter variance of 15 percent and the rural-urban weightage be revised to 30-70 percentage.

Good governance:

• Implement a wide-ranging Freedom of Information Act and drop the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill.

• Amend the Petroleum Development Act to make Petronas’ accounts fully available to parliamentary scrutiny.

• Remove the PM’s discretion on the use of Petronas’ finances and board appointments.

• Establish permanent parliamentary committees with oversight mandate in key government ministries and departments.

Empowering the fourth estate and the third vote:

• Abolish the Printing Presses and Publications Act

• Abolish the unreasonable restrictions on students' activities and their rights under the Universities and University Colleges Act.

• Abolish the Sedition Act and replacing it with a new Anti-Discrimination Act.

• Reinstate local council elections.

Nurul Izzah also called for the revamp of the EC, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMS).

She said she would soon begin consultations with all Malaysians, including all political parties, on this new agenda.

“I hope that the government will be open towards supporting these reforms”, she added.