THE Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to keep transparency, accountability and anti-corruption at the heart of his new government.

The group also reminded Anwar that his government would come across various challenges but urged him not to sacrifice good governance in favour of “convenience, efficiency” or political expediency. 

“With the novelty of the unity government comes scrutiny. If the administration cannot maintain the trust of the rakyat or fellow leaders in parliament, the government could very possibly fracture and break apart.

“Malaysians simply cannot afford more instability and certainly not a repeat of the ‘Sheraton Move’ of February 2020. 

“It is in the government and the country’s best interests to rule transparently and with accountability as a key component of building better, after the previous administration’s shortcomings,” C4 Center said in a statement today. 

Anwar, a long-time reformist, was sworn as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister yesterday. 

His appointment comes following days of political deadlock, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) were neck and neck in terms of support but neither coalition could muster the backing to form a government.

Anwar agreed to form a unity government, after consultation with the king, which now includes long time nemesis Barisan Nasional, plus Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Warisan, and a couple more parties and independent. 

Citing Anwar’s first press conference yesterday – where he spoke about his zero-tolerance approach to corruption and abuse of power, that there would be no compromise on good governance, and stressed the importance of reform – C4 Center has called on him to follow the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019. 

“The guidelines in the NACP provide a comprehensive overview of the areas that require reform, and that would bring Malaysian law and policy closer to fulfilling its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC),” it said. 

C4 Center also called for certain reform, among which includes abolishing the Official Secrets Act (OSA), to be carried out immediately.

“These include the need for a procurement act to provide more oversight over public procurement processes and government expenditure; amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act that would grant more protection to whistle-blowers from persecution, by public and private bodies. 

“Besides this, a freedom of information act to allow the public greater access to information relating to government administration, alongside repealing the OSA; and an asset declaration act to compel government leaders to publicly declare their business or financial interests.

“The previous administration also assured that the political financing bill would be tabled soon, (hence) there is no reason for the new administration to delay this any further,” the group added. 

C4 Center also called for former officials to be charged with abuse of power and using their positions in government as opportunities for self-enrichment. 

It is of utmost importance that these are allowed to continue without delay or interference, no matter their political party of origin or any parliamentary support they may provide, especially in light of Anwar’s decision to hold a vote of confidence for the new government on December 19, it added.

C4 Center added that the coming months will serve as a litmus test for Anwar’s unity government in assessing its commitment to the good governance and reform agenda. 

The group also expressed its readiness to work with the government and provide expertise or aid in ensuring these reforms are implemented.

“The above are instrumental in the task of public confidence-building, demonstrating to Malaysians that there is no place for corruption in the new administration, that no one can escape justice, and that support to govern cannot come from patronage and money politics,” it said. – November 25, 2022.