MCA has expressed full support for the “Reformasi 100%” rally called by Bersih earlier today (Feb 27), saying that the party stands on the same page with the people’s aspiration for good governance and institutional reforms.
MCA civil society coordination bureau chairperson Saw Yee Fung said the party has long advocated for institutional reforms and such reforms were among the resolutions unanimously passed at the MCA Annual Meeting of the General Assembly (AGM) last year.
“These resolutions include urging the prime minister and his Cabinet to fulfil their pledge to carry out legislative and institutional reforms,” Saw said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 27).
These include separating the powers of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Public Prosecutor, that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner be appointed by and be answerable to Parliament, regulating public appointments in statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs), enacting a Political Financing Act, passing a Freedom of Information Act and amending the Official Secrets Act, she added.
Saw, who is also the MCA Youth secretary-general, said in implementing legislative and institutional reforms, the MCA AGM also called for the government to ensure that Acts enacted or amended as well as the policies formulated will uphold checks and balances, transparency, professionalism, accountability and independence.
“The election manifestos of both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the last general election had invariably listed out promises related with institutional reforms,” she stated.
“As the current unity government comprises of three components namely BN, UMNO and PH parties, executing institutional reforms is necessary and should not be hindered by any obstacles.
She said only through institutional reforms may the credibility of state institutions be rebuilt and people’s trust in state institutions such as the Attorney-General’s Chambers, MACC, courts and other institutions be restored.
“Institutional reforms inspire public confidence that enforcement authorities will be able to act independently, impartially and professionally devoid of any political interference or manipulation,” she stressed.
Close to 100 protestors turned up for the Bersih rally today to pressure the government into carrying out political reforms.
The crowd gathered at Plaza Tugu Negara here at 8am and began marching towards the Parliament building at about 8.30am.
The protestors held yellow signs with phrases such as “Don’t get comfortable” and “Clean and fair” while chanting “Tuntut Reformasi, Tolak DNAA, Rakyat Bangkit”. – Feb 27, 2024
Main pic credit: Sinar Harian
