Harapan snoozed through countless wake-up calls, says C4 Center

Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) warned that Pakatan Harapan only has the next four years to fix shortcomings that resulted in the recent state election results.

In a media statement today, the graft watchdog’s deputy CEO Sudhagaran Stanley said this can be done by implementing immediate reforms promised by the Harapan government in 2018.

“Wrong to call this a wake-up call. Since 2018, countless wake-up calls have come, but Harapan continues to snooze over and over again. The next four years are the last chance.

“It is very clear people no longer believe in the old politics. Throwing out election goodies and making promise after promise is no longer going to work.

“We want to see speedy and meaningful reforms. PM (Prime Minister) Anwar (Ibrahim) and the unity government must immediately roll out reforms to institutions in this country.

“Replace the MACC chief commissioner and reform the MACC, separate the AG (attorney-general) and public prosecutor’s office.

“Stop appointing politicians into GLCs (government-linked companies), and replace those already appointed with highly capable and qualified individuals to drive reforms in these GLCs.

“Enact a political funding law, procurement law, parliamentary service act, amend the IPCC (Independent Police Conduct Commission) to include the spirit of the IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission).

“Set up an ombudsman office and implement the National Anti-Corruption plan 100 percent before the end of this year,” the activist said.

Sudhagaran said the federal government must speed up economic and education reforms, where tough decisions must be made for the country's future.

“We can no longer continue with outdated policies. Uphold human rights.

“Every citizen in this country regardless of race and religion must be able to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and benefit from the reforms that are to be carried out,” he said.

The activist urged the government to work like this is their last and only year as speed is critical.

“The entire government machinery must be used and put into action to implement these reforms.

Redirect government resources and staff to meet these demands. Set up various working groups and give them six months to complete the reforms. This is what we want to see. Less talk and more action,” Sudhagaran said.

He reiterated that this is the last chance for Malaysia. He pointed out Perikatan Nasional’s stunning electoral victories in Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah, as well as making bigger inroads into Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.

Turning to non-mainstream parties

The activist pointed out that a quick calculation of election data showed that over 70,000 people from the five states chose to vote for non-mainstream parties such as Muda, PSM, PRM, and independent candidates.

He warned that whether these were supporters of Harapan or PN is debatable but that this trend would grow into big waves if the federal government fails to implement reforms quickly.

“The 70,000 voters in this category are fed-up with mainstream political parties and their empty promises.

“And blaming Muda or any other party and independent candidates for splitting votes is childish. These parties now appear to be the check-and-balance on the unity government even though they failed to win seats.

“Whether they will turn into a third force is yet to be seen but we can expect the popularity of these small parties and independent candidates to grow if the unity government does not implement reforms immediately,” Sudhagaran said. - Mkini