FORMER de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take bolder steps in implementing reforms, including revisiting the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and ensuring freedom of expression on sensitive issues.
In an open letter, Zaid questioned Anwar’s commitment to reforms and posed critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures.
“You said you had been in prison for many years, so how could you have forgotten the need for reforms?” Zaid wrote, referencing Anwar’s speech at the recent book launch of Lim Kit Siang: Malaysian First.
While Anwar highlighted the prevention of ministerial interference in the tender process as an example of progress, Zaid questioned if top civil servants might still wield undue influence.
“Could they have decided on behalf of someone else?” he asked.
Zaid urged Anwar to focus on two crucial reforms: reviewing the OSA to foster a transparent government and refraining from charging individuals for discussing race, religion, or royalty.
“The mother of corruption and abuse of power will not be dealt with until we have a truly transparent government,” Zaid stated.
He also challenged Anwar and veteran reformist Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang to lead by example and champion these measures.
“Will you and Lim take this challenge?” he concluded, emphasising the need for bold and courageous leadership to solidify the reform agenda. — Dec 21, 2024
