DAP should remain in govt to keep reforms on track, says Syahredzan

 DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan says the party has been the ‘conscience’ of the Madani government by ensuring it remains committed to institutional reforms.

DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan warned that leaving the Cabinet would severely undermine the government’s reform agenda and affect Pakatan Harapan’s efforts to fulfil its election manifesto. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

DAP should remain in the Cabinet to ensure the administration stays on its reform path, says party vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan.

In a Facebook post, Syahredzan warned that DAP’s departure from the Cabinet would severely undermine the government’s reform agenda and affect Pakatan Harapan’s efforts to fulfil its election manifesto.

“The single most important reason why DAP should remain is to ensure that this government sticks to the path of reform,” he said in the post.

“DAP is the beating heart of this administration. We are the conscience of the Madani government. We are the one that ensures this government keeps to the straight and narrow.”

The Bangi MP said reforms were not merely slogans or manifesto promises for DAP, but the reason the party had fought for years while in the opposition.

Syahredzan said several reforms had already been achieved, including the Parliamentary Services Act, amendments to the Audit Act, the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, and the Legal Aid and Public Defenders Act.

He also cited reforms in Parliament, including Prime Minister’s Question Time, greater powers for parliamentary select committees and debates on key reports such as those by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the Auditor-General.

He said several other reform bills had also been tabled this year, such as a bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure, a constitutional amendment to separate the powers and functions of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, and the Freedom of Information Bill.

Syahredzan said DAP also wanted to pursue other reforms, including legislation to ensure equal allocations for all MPs, an issue the party had been advocating for decades.

“DAP needs to be part of the government to ensure that these bills are pushed through. Being on the outside means we let go of the leverage we have to ensure there is political will to see these reforms through,” he said.

On Sunday, more than 4,000 DAP delegates will decide whether the party should remain in or withdraw from government posts for the remainder of the parliamentary term.

Perak DAP has unanimously backed remaining in the unity government to allow it to deliver on its election promises. - FMT