Speed up commitment on institutional reforms, govt urged

THE government has been urged to expedite its commitment on institutional reforms, says the Allparty Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Integrity, Governance and Anti-corruption.

APPGM chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, who is Ledang MP, said following engagements held between APPGM with other stakeholders, the group has agreed to give priority to four reform proposals out of eight.

He added the decision on the call for reforms to be done in phases was made after considering several aspects which included their urgency and priority.

“The focus of the first phase must be on the separation of powers between Attorney General (AG) and Public Prosecutor; amendments on Whistleblowers Protection Act 2009; parliamentary reform through Parliamentary Services Act; and the proposed Freedom of Information Act,” he said at Parliament House.

The press conference was also attended by MPS from different parties.

Syed Ibrahim said the separation of powers between the AG and the Public Prosecutor was important to avoid conflict of interest between the persons holding the two posts.

“This needs to be expedited to ensure the judiciary system is not shadowed by negative perception of conflict of interest between the AG and the Public Prosecutor that could lead to a trust deficit among the people,” he added.

Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof said the amendment on the Whistleblowers Protection Act is imperative as further delays will only make the government to be perceived as regressive.

“Whistleblowers should be fully protected and should not feel intimidated when reporting any crime. Within the corruption context, the proposed amendment will be able to curb bribery from the initial stage before it progresses and affect the country,” he said.

While the four reforms were emphasised, Syed Ibrahim said the group will also continue to push for reforms on the remaining proposals.

The remaining proposals were amendments on Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009; introduction of Procurement Act and Political Funding Act; as well as the full implementation of the National Anti-corruption Plan.

Among of the MPS present were Datuk Mas Ermieyati (Pn-masjid Tanah) who is also deputy chairman, Khoo Poay Tiong (Ph-kota Melaka), Rodiyah Sapiee (Gpsbatang Sadong), Young Syefura Othman (Ph-bentong), Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (Pn-tampin), Dr Mohammed Taufiq (Ph-sungai Petani) and Khairil Nizam Khirudin (Pn-jerantut).