Zaid challenges Anwar to repeal OSA, stop '3R' charges

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has dared Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to do more to prove the government’s reforms commitment.

Taking to X, Zaid (above) cited Anwar’s speech during a function in Ipoh last night to launch DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang’s memoir “Malaysian First”.

“You gave the tender as an example at a function celebrating the book launch of another great reformer.

“You say no minister can influence the process. (But) what about the top civil servants? Could they have decided on behalf of someone else?” said Zaid.

He suggested to Anwar to review the Official Secrets Act and put a halt to 3R (race, religion and royalty) charges.

“The mother of corruption and abuse of power will not be dealt with until we have a transparent government. A truly transparent government.

“The other thing is don’t charge anyone for speaking or writing about 3R. Will you and Lim take this challenge?” asked Zaid whose decades in politics include a brief stint as a DAP member.

Reform efforts

Last night, Anwar credited Lim for their decades of friendship both in and out of politics, and the latter’s commitment towards a shared vision for a better Malaysia.

“Since taking the helm of the country two years ago, this government continues to uphold the same struggle, ensuring that Malaysia is elevated as a great and united nation, championing the rights of every citizen without sidelining the country’s fundamental identity - Malay as the national language, Islam as the religion of the Federation, the Malay rulers, as well as the rights of the Malays and bumiputera,” said Anwar in a Facebook post.

“I hear the calls to expedite the reforms we aspire to, but history teaches us to be wise and prudent in driving change without compromising the nation’s stability.

“However, there are also nauseating voices from a few who claim that the government has ‘failed’ to implement the reform agenda within these two years, even though they were the very ones who once bowed to thieves and corrupt individuals,” stressed Anwar.

The government’s commitment to reforms in recent months had come into question, particularly on matters concerning freedom of expression and anti-corruption. - Mkini