CIVIL rights leaders said there are many improvements that Anwar Ibrahim has to carry out in 2024 after being in power for more than a year.

They hoped Anwar could start delivering on his reform promises next year and introduce a better policy for transparency.

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan highlighted Anwar’s vision to improve Malaysia’s graft index. He said to achieve that, the prime minister must be brave enough to make changes.

“He wants to be in the Top 25 category and to achieve that, we need to meet the requirements. We must score every year. We cannot be in the Top 25 if we don’t make necessary changes.”

“For example, we must separate the power of attorney general and public prosecutor as one advises the government while the latter prosecutes.

“We see in the case of discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) of a senior cabinet member, it gives a bad impression to the government. Whether it was the right or wrong decision, the powers of the AG and PP must be separate.

“Secondly, the Whistleblower’s Act has to be reviewed to widen protection. There has been much noise but nothing has been done. Another matter that needs attention is the Procurement Act which the government promised to table in 2024.

“We do not want a weak bill, we need a solid bill. Also, we need independent observers with international standards to monitor billion-dollar projects.

“Like the Littoral Combat Ship scandal, if there was an independent observer, it might not have happened,” Muhammad said.

Another issue is the Official Secrets Act (OSA), he said, adding that matters of public interest must be revealed as they have the right to information.

“For instance, the multi-lane free toll project worth RM3.46 billion has to be excluded from OSA as the public has the right to know.”

Muhammad also said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) needs to be strengthened.

He said the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) has to be given the power to appoint the MACC chief and not the prime minister.

“The PSC should be advising the King about a candidate,” Muhammad said.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Sevan Doraisamy, meanwhile, said despite seeing engagements to review draconian laws or proposals of long-overdue reforms related to civil and political rights, actual progress in amending or repealing laws and implementing reforms has been minimal.

“Take the review of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for instance where 13 engagements were conducted this year to review it.

“Multiple reviews were undertaken and amendments promised in previous years, such as in 2018 by the Pakatan Harapan administration.

“Many policymakers, including Anwar, were aware and advocated alongside civil society while in the opposition.

“There should be no more excuses to delay passing amendments to Sosma by the earliest parliamentary sitting in 2024,” he said.

Sevan emphasised the significance of freedom of expression and said the Communications Ministry has engaged in discussions on crucial legislations and reform initiatives in this area.

“In 2024, we anticipate a continuation of stakeholder engagements that began in July this year to reassess the relevance and applicability of existing laws, including the Sedition Act 1948, in addressing 3R issues,” he said.

“It is crucial for the government to prioritise proposals that offer more constructive approaches to addressing racial and religious relations than the Sedition Act 1948, such as the National Harmony Bills proposed by the Malaysian Bar.

“Progressive amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, particularly section 233, should align with the three-part test of legality, legitimacy, and proportionality, as outlined in international standards on freedom of expression.”

Regarding the communications minister’s commitment to present the Malaysian Media Council Bill by March 2024, the government must guarantee the independence of this council, free from executive interference.

Sevan also urged the establishment of specific timelines in 2024 for the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act and revisions to the Official Secrets Act. Additionally, he called for the withdrawal of the Higher Education Ministry guidelines aimed at regulating concerts on university campuses.

The human rights defender slammed the slow progress in police reform, especially the delays in setting up the Independent Police Conduct Commission.

“Despite pledges of completion by July this year, there was no commitment by the government to amend the watered-down Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 (IPCC),” Sevan said.

“Amendments to IPCC are crucial, seeing that the Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan coalition not only rejected the watered-down Bill in July 2022 when it was passed but also pledged to strengthen IPCC as a part of its GE15 election manifesto.

“As a self-proclaimed harbinger of reform, it is imperative that the government abides by its promise to have a fully functioning Independent Police Conduct Commission by early 2024, with plans set to amend the Act to ensure the body has independent and effective authority in upholding police accountability.”

Address deepening polarisation based on race and religion

Nalini Elumalai from Article 19 urged Anwar to boldly protect human rights next year, stating that authorities have continued restricting fundamental freedoms and civic space.

She hopes to see more progressive changes, a halt to ongoing clampdowns on civic space, and the reform of laws and policies stifling dissent.

“I hope a progressive Freedom of Information (FOI) Act will be tabled next year as promised. It is only when people are both informed and consulted that they can make decisions that affect their own lives,” Nalini said.

“The right to access information is critical. As we often say in Article 19, information is power and power will always be limited without an FOI law.

“The law can also help identify societal gaps in equality and discrimination. FOI law ensures the government is transparent about dealing with marginalised and minority communities,” she said.

Regarding race and religion, Nalini said Putrajaya has to take a diverse, inclusive, and equal approach to overcome the deepening of polarisation.

“The use of religion and identity politics to intensify divisions within Malaysia has created a polarising atmosphere of hatred.

“A comprehensive set of measures is essential to combat hate speech and hatred, encompassing self-regulation and firm commitments to counteract such expressions.

“The implementation of UN Human Rights Council resolution 16/18 and the Rabat Plan of Action (RBA) are among the main global policy frameworks for combating religious intolerance, stigmatisation, discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on race, religion, or belief. It is crucial to achieving regulatory, policy and behavioral changes in Malaysia,” she added.

Appoint Tamil-speaking minister

Arun Dorasamy, who leads Hindu Agamam Ani, demanded that Anwar appoint a Tamil-speaking cabinet minister in 2024.

He argued that only a Tamil-speaking minister could understand the plight of the community in Malaysia.

“He can appoint anyone from his government and create a special ministry under the Prime Minister’s Department.

“He must not forget that the 82 seats won by Pakatan Harapan were contributed by Indians despite being the minority. If Anwar contests in a by-election today in Tambun, he will definitely lose because he has neglected Indians.

“Anwar must provide direction and solutions for the issues faced by the Indian community and ignoring it is not an option. And having a Tamil-speaking minister can assist in understanding the community’s unique challenges,” said the activist. – December 22, 2023