FRESH hope for the nation has emerged with the appointment of Anwar Ibrahim as the country’s 10th prime minister.

A great wave of confidence is sweeping the nation in anticipation of a new Malaysia, hopes for which were unfulfilled after the 2018 election.

Institutional reform is the key and Anwar has to hit the ground running if we are to make up for lost time in facing the challenges ahead.

The global crisis that is looming on the horizon, threatening devastating socio-economic effects, must be met with competence and integrity. Anwar will need all the help he can get.

We need to set aside our differences and get on board if we are to take this nation out of the impending storm. It will be one tough journey and we will succeed if we are united.

I hope that this time around the key institutions will be reformed effectively so as to ensure that the rule of law is enforced without fear or favour. Our key institutions must not be subservient to the executive.

Accountability and responsibility must become the norm. Checks and balances within the system must be strengthened to ensure that justice is always done. Every limb of the criminal justice system must be work effectively without interference from those in positions of influence.

Our enforcement agencies must be bolstered and assured that they are not beholden to the leaders.

We must put behind up the days when powerful politicians are able to manipulate the criminal justice system for their own personal advantage and we must eradicate corruption and abuse of power. 

The focus is on judicial independence as Anwar said in his maiden press conference as prime minister.

He must deliver this promise.

Time is of the essence if we are to achieve the required change and I pray that this nation achieves its full potential under the guidance of our new prime minister. – November 25, 2022.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.