CIVIL rights groups said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should announce a clear plan on how he intends to implement human rights reforms, even if his government needs more time to activate the plan.

They were responding to Anwar’s request for activists to be patient with the government as it wants to avoid making “political blunders”.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) in a recent report criticised the government for lagging behind on reforms, saying Anwar may be labelled the “worst prime minister” if he doesn’t make a concerted effort to pursue human rights reforms.

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy told The Malaysian Insight the sluggish pace of reforms under Anwar’s administration isn’t the prime minister’s fault alone, but that of the entire cabinet. 

Sevan said he has no issue with Anwar requesting extra time for the effort, but said the Tambun MP has to clarify how and when he plans to make the changes. 

“I have no problem if he wants more time, but what is his agenda? We haven’t seen anything.

“I understand (there is already progress) on matters such as Sosma (Security Offences Special Measures 2012), but what about the Sedition Act (1948) or the Peaceful Assembly Act (2012)? Political rights issues such as freedom of expression – where are the reforms?” Sevan asked.

Sevan also took aim at Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for “recycling” statements instead of working towards solutions.

He said Saifuddin has yet to meet with civil society groups to discuss human rights issues in the country.

“Saifuddin has not done anything except make the same statement (again and) again. He is recycling the same old statements.

“There’s no engagement with civil society groups to date. As someone who has been unlawfully arrested, (Anwar) should know better,” Sevan said.

But Sevan said Suaram is ready to help. 

“We are ready to assist the government in issues like these. We criticise because we believe this government can make changes.

“Anwar has the opportunity to become the best prime minister, but if he fails to (pursue) reforms, he might end up as the worst,” he said.

On Friday, Anwar said it is important for the government to avoid making “political blunders” in pursuing human rights reforms.

Anwar said the government has to look into some measures and legislative matters before pursuing those reforms, which may take some time.

“We’re dealing with the people. We have seen the blunder with (the attempted ratification) of ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination).

“We are committed to the issue of human rights, but you (Suaram) have to give us time,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Jamiul Ehsan, Sungai Buloh.

Khalid Ismath of Eliminating Death and Abuse in Custody Together (Edict) agreed with Sevan.

Khalid, who is former Parti Sosialis Malaysia youth chief, said if Anwar is asking for time, he should announce a moratorium on all investigations linked to human rights issues.

“There is no problem if he wants time and we can tolerate that, but he needs to stop all unnecessary probes into dissent. For instance, the man who criticised the Johor sultan shouldn’t be remanded.

“In this case, Dr Mahathir Mohamad was better. The last time he was prime minister, no one was detained for criticising anybody. Yes, police took the statement of (suspects), but no one was apprehended,” he said.

Do it immediately

Former Otai Reformis chairman Abdul Razak Ismail said Anwar should implement the reforms right away, adding that there is no guarantee he will win again in the next elections.

“If you claim to come from a reformist party, then reforms have to come immediately. They cannot wait.

“(Anwar) has been detained and mistreated but when he has the power, he decides to keep Sosma. His friends were victims of the old ISA (Internal Security Act 1960). How can he allow Sosma to exist?

“He should prioritise the reforms he has been (talking about) all these years,” said Razak. – April 30, 2023.