I refer to the Malaysiakini report EGM: One hour to pass 41 amendments .

How is the Umno-led Barisan Nasional going to institute reforms at the micro-level in areas such as these?

1. In reviewing the power-sharing formula and distribute the ministerial, deputy ministerial etc portfolios equitably (given that all major Barisan Nasional component parties were soundly thrashed in the March 8 general election last year).

2. In appointing top civil servants in government ministries and public institutions such as educational establishments, government-linked companies and statutory bodies.

3. In awarding equitable and meaningful scholarships for outstanding and deserving Malaysian students.

4. In instituting equal opportunity practices for employment in the public sector including for the uniformed bodies.

5. In instituting equal opportunity practices for placement in the local public universities based on merit, albeit with a certain percentage set aside for the poor and needy.

6. In reverting to local council elections rather than appointments for greater accountability and transparency

7. In reviewing archaic laws that impede the democratisation processes, as well as laws that could potentially be misused and abused without adequate safeguards

8. In appointing judges on merit, and removing those that are underperforming or deemed to be corrupt

9. In enhancing checks-and-balances amongst the executive, the legislative and judiciary branches of the government

10. In ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of allocation of public funds for constituencies regardless of whether they are under Barisan Nasional or the opposition parties, given that most voters are tax-paying citizens.

11. In dealing decisively with the patronage system within society which favours the few at the expense of the many.

12. In focussing on improving the quality of public service to that which is comparable with international best practices with transparent Key Performance Indicators being made public periodically.

13. Revamping the educational system to keep abreast of a rapidly changing global environment and dealing with the challenges (avoiding ‘flip-flop’ policies which create confusion and dissatisfaction among the public).

14. In providing for the poor and needy amongst all Malaysians so that they are not marginalised.

Many more path-breaking initiatives are needed! Will the rakyat ever see all these measures ‘come alive’ and feel them within two years?