In a rare political twist, youth wings of two government parties - more often at loggerheads than in agreement - have found common ground over one issue: this Saturday’s rally calling for the removal of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.
While both wings have voiced support for the “Tangkap Azam Baki” rally in Kuala Lumpur and confirmed their attendance, neither could resist aiming at the other in the process.
In a statement this afternoon, DAP Youth condemned MCA and MCA Youth for what it described as “blatant hypocrisy”.
“As one of the ‘beneficiaries’ of the 1MDB corruption scandal, MCA has consistently defended former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, who plundered national wealth.
“Yet, MCA Youth has now openly declared their participation in the ‘Tangkap Azam Baki’ rally. Their inconsistent stance and opportunistic behaviour for political gain are unlikely to impress Malaysians,” the wing said.
DAP Youth also took a swipe at Perikatan Nasional, accusing the opposition coalition of failing to fulfil its role in providing checks and balances, and instead focusing on racial and religious issues.
Honour reform pledges
MCA Youth, meanwhile, turned the spotlight back on Pakatan Harapan, urging it to honour its reform pledges and questioning the lack of transparency in the ongoing probe into Azam’s shareholding.
“The fact that the special committee has yet to disclose any progress one month after its establishment, and the government’s continued failure to provide a clear and complete explanation, public confidence in the anti-corruption mechanism has been severely undermined.
“The government must fulfil its promise of institutional reform and implement anti-corruption reforms as soon as possible to ensure that anti-corruption agencies are genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable to Parliament, rather than remaining subject to executive influence. Harapan must promptly honour its reform promises,” it added.
As for MACC and Azam, DAP Youth stressed the need for a full and thorough investigation.
“The shareholding controversy involving Azam, as well as serious allegations that the MACC is linked to the ‘corporate mafia’ scandal, have dealt a severe blow to Malaysia’s democratic institutions, governance, integrity, and the credibility of enforcement agencies.
“If no thorough investigation is carried out, these issues will significantly erode public trust in national institutions.
“Therefore, DAP Youth supports the three key demands of the rally, namely the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of a ‘corporate mafia’ within the MACC, a comprehensive investigation into Azam alongside comprehensive institutional reforms of the MACC, as well as the protection of the public’s freedom of expression on issues related to corruption,” the wing said.
DAP Youth added that although Azam’s tenure is nearing its end and a new MACC chief is expected to be appointed, the controversies surrounding him cannot be brushed aside.
“On the contrary, the authorities must carry out a comprehensive, independent, and transparent investigation into all related allegations to uncover the truth and rebuild public confidence in both the government and national institutions,” it added.
No unilateral appointments, please
MCA Youth said the appointment mechanism for the MACC chief itself requires fundamental reform.
“The appointment should no longer be made unilaterally by the prime minister but instead be entrusted to Parliament, with the MACC chief required to report regularly to Parliament, to establish an effective system of checks and balances, and eliminate political interference,” it added.
Earlier today, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, announced that he would personally decide on the next MACC chief commissioner, signalling that Azam’s tenure - already extended three times by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - would not be renewed when it expires on May 12.
The king also urged all parties to refrain from politicising the matter.
In a post on X later, Bersih chairperson Faisal Aziz confirmed that the rally would proceed as planned. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.