COMMENT | The curtains will finally close on 2020. As we welcome the new year, it would be pertinent for us to reflect on the year that has come to pass.

While 2019 was a year of disappointments for many, especially when it came to the ‘New Malaysia’ project that the nation embarked upon in 2018, it was still a year that came with a lot of promise and potential. The then Pakatan Harapan government had made some progress when it came to reforms, albeit at a slower pace than what many would like.

The University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) was amended to allow for political parties to operate in institutions of higher learning.

The Anti-Fake News Act was finally abolished after the bill was passed by both Houses at the end of that year.

Amendments were made to the Peaceful Assembly Act which, amongst others, allow for street protests and shortened the time required to provide for notice for an assembly. The Act was also amended to allow for offences to be compounded...