Newly-elected Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon has urged Barisan Nasional and the federal government to expedite reforms in order to regain public support.

“We must win the hearts and minds of the people. BN cannot afford to wait for another March 8 to occur,” said Koh in his policy speech at the Gerakan national delegate conference in Kuala Lumpur.

gerakan ndc 101008 koh tsu koon Chief among the needed reforms was the establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) which was crucial in restoring judicial independence, he stressed.

Koh said other areas of reforms should cover the Internal Security Act (ISA), Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) and the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA).

He added that the government must encourage “genuine inter-ethnic” collaborations to ensure economic competitiveness, reduce crime and embracing cultural diversity.

“Lest we forget, 2004 was the peak of popularity for BN and Gerakan. The people gave us overwhelming support not just because of our track record but also because of promises of reforms for a more efficient and transparent government and a more open society.

“Unfortunately, the implementation of such reforms has been delayed due to various reasons,” he said.

Koh said since then voters had become unhappy with poor delivery systems, impatient with delay in reforms and critical towards abuse and arrogance of power, corruption and various forms of extremism.

Praise for PM, future PM

In his speech, Koh also paid tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He said that Pak Lah had initated reforms and was an advocate for democracy and greater space for open discussions.

gerakan agm 111008 abdullah pc03.jpg “He can be rightly called the ‘Father of Democracy’ for Malaysia,” he said.

Abdullah was present at the conference to officiate the event. Also present was his deputy and prime minister-in-waiting Najib Abdul Razak.

Koh said that reforms in the government and BN should continue after the transition of power from Abdullah to Najib.

“In Najib, we have an intellectual, experienced and dynamic leader to build on the foundation Pak Lah has laid,” he added.

Koh also urged the government to reduce prices of fuel in view of the downward trend in global oil prices and review fuel prices weekly.

"I represent Gerakan to appeal to the government to reduce the petrol prices faster because the global oil price had dropped to US$82 per barrel," he said.