WE, the undersigned, want to express our grave concern and disappointment at the government’s continued backtracking on its reform agenda.

The recent decision of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to grant Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in relation to his 47 corruption charges involving millions of ringgit in connection with Yayasan Akal Bud, is the latest in a series of indefensible actions by the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan National government.

The decision to take such action despite a prima facie case has been established raises serious questions about the government’s commitment and ability to govern our country with integrity and in accordance with our Federal Constitution and the rule of law. The decision will result in an erosion of public trust and confidence in our institutions, particularly in the AGC’s competence to investigate matters thoroughly and impartially so that we can hold corrupt elites accountable for their conduct.

The 11 reasons cited by the AGC to justify its position are not convincing in the least, and demonstrate a tragic waste of taxpayers’ money in what has become a futile exercise in integrity, accountability, transparency and trust.

Furthermore, the decision to discharge Zahid from such serious charges suggests a disturbing departure from the principle of equality, and sends a dangerous message that those in positions of power and influence can act with impunity, and escape accountability for their actions. This perception of a two-tier justice system, one for the elite and another for the masses, is corroding the very foundation of our democracy and undermining people’s faith in the rule of law and good governance.

Since November 2022, we have witnessed a slew of actions which undermine our trust and confidence in the prime minister and his government, whose promises of reforms to uphold our fundamental freedoms and human rights have come to nought. This has been demonstrated regularly by the constant backtracking on promises to review, amend or repeal draconian laws such as the Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Official Secrets Act, and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, among others.

There has also been an increased stifling of our freedom of expression, including censorship of media and other online content, banning of films and publications, restrictions on academic freedom, and infringements on gender based expressions. There has also been no visible commitment or action to pursue institutional reforms, including making the MACC independent and accountable only to parliament; and establishing an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission as demanded by civil society to replace the watered-down IPCC. Prior to Zahid’s discharge, the reform calling for the separation of the AG from the public prosecutors office was nowhere to be seen until recently when it was announced by the law minister.

Instead, there are efforts, using taxpayers’ funds, to promote or endorse conduct that promotes division and polarisation based on race and religion, most notably the decision to include hadith lessons in schools.

Our expectations, which are in line with the multitude of promises made during the election campaigns leading up to the last general elections, are that our ministers and government agencies will promote the development of an educated, informed society of critical thinkers who are fully equipped with contemporary skills and knowledge so that we can compete in the global arena. As voters and taxpayers we have a right to be informed in decisions about how public resources are used equitably and distributed fairly.

This crisis of confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its reform agenda must be dealt with and in order to enhance accountability and transparency, we demand the following:

1.  The establishment of an independent committee to reaffirm and develop a detailed roadmap (including timelines) of the current government’s reform priorities. This independent committee should include civil society representatives and build on the recommendations made by the IRC established in 2018;

2. Immediately separate the roles of attorney-general and public prosecutor and establish a mechanism to ensure that the appointment of public prosecutors is independent of political interference;

3. Reaffirm, without delay, the government’s plans to review, amend or repeal all arbitrary and oppressive laws that restrict our human rights and freedom of expression; and

4. Reaffirm, without delay, the government’s plans for institutional reforms in relation to independent MACC and IPCMC.

We also urge the public to reclaim our voice as Malaysia, and undertake the following tomorrow to commemorate Hari Malaysia in support of our demands:

1. Use #REFORMforMalaysia or #REFORMdemiMalaysia tomorrow to repost our demands.

2. Sign the petition and write to the prime minister to reiterate the call for accountability. – September 14, 2023.

Signatories: 

Centre for Independent Journalism

Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor 

Beyond Borders

Agora Society Malaysia

Suara Rakyat Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Civil Right Committee

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia

Tenaganita

North South Initiative

Geutanyoe Aceh

Pertubuhan Harapan Al-Ikhlas Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor

Altsean-Burma

Myanmar Ethnics Organization

Refugee Emergency Fund

Pemuda Sosialis

Persatuan Umany

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Association Youth Section

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth

Pertubuhan Anak Muda Maju

Suara Siswa Universiti Malaya 

Instant Cafe Theatre

Parastoo Theatre

* 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.