PAKATAN Harapan will do away with draconian laws, assured Anwar Ibrahim, noting that it must also be kept in mind there are quarters quick to create trouble by exploiting racial and religious sentiments.

“There are some pressing conditions now… We must take note that the government is still new, and we inherited the problems caused by a horrible administration that was filled with endemic corruption and power abuse, and we have to deal with desperate groups spewing extremist views on race and religion,” the PKR president told reporters in Kota Kinabalu today.

He was responding to concerns raised by a human rights activist, who said PH, having reneged on election promises, is no different than the previous Barisan Nasional government.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) adviser Kua Kia Soong said the PH government has failed to bring about institutional reform and abolish draconian laws, and he believes this is because of Prime Minister and pact chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He cited the government’s decision to lift the moratorium on the Prevention of Crime Act, Prevention of Terrorism Act, Security Offences (Special Measures) Act and Sedition Act following the riots at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya last month.

Anwar said he takes Suaram’s views seriously, and that the lifting of the moratorium does not mean Putrajaya is wavering in its commitment to abolish draconian laws.

“This is our position. It was clearly stipulated in the manifesto. We will honour the commitment.”

On Dr Mahathir, Anwar said PH has given the prime minister the mandate to lead the pact and nation.

He denied that the prime minister prevents PH lawmakers from airing different views, saying Dr Mahathir is chairman of the pact’s reform and governance caucus, with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng as his deputy.

“The matter of abolishing draconian laws is paramount. We must reject such laws.

“There must be change in the ‘New Malaysia’, with a clear emphasis on good governance, and ridding the nation of corruption, racism and religious bigotry.” – December 9, 2018.