Legal reforms should be a priority

WE refer to the recent appointment of the new Attorney General, and the pledges made in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto promising wide-ranging institutional and legal reforms.

These pledges were to ensure that Malaysia will never again suffer a repeat of the abuse of power, corruption and authoritarianism practised by the old regime; they are a blueprint for the creation of a free and democratic polity that upholds the rule of law.

Among these pledges are the repeal of draconian laws such as the mandatory death penalty in all Acts, Sedition Act 1948, UUCA 1971, PPPA 1984, NSC 2016, etc; setting up of commissions to look into BN-era mega scandals; formation of the IPCMC; reforming the MACC and the office of the AG; Parliamentary reform; cleaning up the electoral process; resolving statelessness; restoring public trust in the judiciary; and upholding human rights.

The AG plays a key role in advising, drafting and initiating proposals and legislation required to carry out the above reforms. There is now much hope and expectation placed upon the new AG, Tommy Thomas, who, as a well-known constitutional lawyer, has a long track record of speaking up for justice and truth.

As the Government’s chief legal adviser, it is the task of the new AG to move forward the reform agenda, which was endorsed overwhelmingly by the people in the recent general elections.

These are the central reforms needed to create a free and democratic Malaysia; there must be no delay in implementing these manifesto commitments.

N. SURENDRAN Adviser Lawyers for Liberty