Ilham: Anwar’s govt not living up to promised reforms

 

Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government is not living up to the promised reforms that were widely touted, claimed Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar.

He contended that the coalition government's inability to implement pledged reforms stems from the inclusion of diverse parties and conflicting ideologies that remain irreconcilable.

"I was once an activist on the streets supporting the reformist struggle. When the reformist struggle reached maturity and (Anwar) became the prime minister, the reformist segment died.

"It's not like what I imagined in my youth. The expectations for change shared by the entire nation did not materialise.

"The treatment of media portals with unfavourable coverage to the government is given pressure. We were involved in civil movements. If you look at the statements from the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (ideas) and Bersih, they all go against their early support for Anwar.

"What is happening now is not the government that was portrayed by Anwar," Hisomuddin (above) said during the ‘Minggu Negarawan: Setahun Kerajaan Pakatan Harapan dan Barisan Nasional’ held at Yayasan Perdana in Putrajaya, today.

The programme was also attended by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Lack of clear path

Hisomuddin also touched on the government's lack of a clear path to lead the nation towards positive change.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

He highlighted the establishment of a secretariat headed by Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, after the formation of the coalition government which was tasked with coordinating manifesto charters from participating parties.

However, Hisomuddin noted that this information has yet to be disclosed to the public.

He also raised the lack of separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, as well as media freedom.

“There is no hope relying on the government that Anwar once proclaimed. It's as if those who support it don't see a way out.

"The person sought after is now in the number one position. But, we don't see a way out and who can lead Malaysia towards a better future," he said. - Mkini