FOR years, parties that now are in the government have shouted for reform in almost every facet of government operation, be it in the effectiveness of departments, transparency, reduction of excesses and so on.

The common thread across these demands include accountability and integrity on the part of the government, and empowerment of independent agencies that had been reduced to little more than rubber-stamping facilities by the previous administration.

However, the “sudden” bold statements and actions by these same agencies, has been met with scorn and ridicule from a public who need to be convinced that they can be impartial, despite the previous accusations of ineptitude and of turning a blind eye to the injustices and grievances that these agencies had been tasked to guard against.

This would ring especially true when statements are issued against the present government for things previous tolerated under the Barisan Nasional. An example would be civil servants at political events during office hours.

Or the usage of government assets, such as cars or allocations for political purposes.

Or for ministers and deputy ministers to campaign for one from their own camp in an election, not just by supporting them but by providing tacit endorsement backed  by administrative power, resources and influence to the unfair detriment of other candidates.

When the lines were blurred during the last administration, the then-opposition had plenty to say about it. They should not stop saying those things now.

Sure, it is tempting for the new government to return the favour, to use the same weapons wielded so effectively against them on those who cast the first stone. It is after all, “justice”, political prudence demands it.

Sure, old habits die hard. But there needs to be a systemic improvement, if large scale reforms planned from the top are to have a good chance of survival. Otherwise, they risk being merely a campaign that will never go beyond the launch event.

This newly-found independence of the civil service and related agencies that we are seeing now could also very well be the impetus for a paradigm shift in the way the executive arm of the government operates. It provides an additional layer of checks and balances within the executive. It increases public confidence in public bodies, which in turn, provides confidence for the business community.

Still in its stage of infancy, this new habit should be nurtured and sustained, and made into a mainstream practice, rather than being shot down as “too much” by those in power.

Instead, they should demonstrate sincerity and support in implementing what they themselves fought for not too long ago – transparency, equal access to the media, for the government to be fair to their political opponents, that civil service and civil rights groups be taken seriously.

To warn former allies (of freedom and equality) like Bersih, is to be ungrateful and arrogant.

The civil service, which takes much of its cues from the government, is testing the waters, and freedom should be afforded them, to get their feet wet.

Unless, of course, the reforms screamed and fought for was only meant when the corruption in the system was used against them, and not vice versa. – October 10, 2018.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.