Suaram: Anwar will be seen as most failed PM without legal reforms

Human rights group Suaram has reiterated its view that Anwar Ibrahim will be seen as the most failed prime minister if legal reforms are not successfully carried out under his administration.

Its executive director Sevan Doraisamy said after a year in power, Anwar’s government is still seen as having no clear direction to introduce or amend human rights laws.

He also criticised an apparent reluctance by several cabinet ministers to hold discussions with stakeholders on related policies, particularly on the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

“There was a promise to repeal Sosma, but then it couldn’t be done, and then there were plans to amend.

“We (stakeholders) have given input but why until now there is no response?

“I think, it is better that the home minister come down and discuss. He seems to be avoiding,” Sevan (above) told reporters after the launch of Suaram’s overview for its annual human rights report in Kuala Lumpur today.

In August, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said the government did not intend to repeal Sosma which allows detention without trial for up to 28 days.

Instead, he promised to improve the security law by introducing several amendments in stages.

Sevan added that, apart from minimal involvement from the ministers, questions should also be asked about the government’s efforts to protect the people’s fundamental rights.

“You have already reached the age of one year, so what is the government’s plan and how long is needed? This is the main question,” he said.

Anwar has the expertise

Sevan pointed out that, compared to previous prime ministers, Anwar has a deep knowledge of institutional reforms.

As such, he said the prime minister should mobilise his cabinet and urge ministers to be more proactive in dealing with current issues.

“He (Anwar) knows what institutional reform is, he knows what it is to deal with corruption, issues related to Sosma, detention without trial, abuse in custody.

“All this is not foreign to Anwar, in terms of expertise, he is better than the previous prime minister.

“Anwar doesn’t need to come forward for all issues, but he has to make sure that his team, especially the ministers, move and do the work,” Sevan said.

He also reminded the Pakatan Harapan chairperson of his promises which raised hopes among supporters of the reform movement for the past 20 years.

“He knows the burden and expectations for him are high. A year has passed, there are still three more years, if he doesn’t succeed, he will be the biggest failure,” Sevan stressed.

Earlier, Suaram launched an overview of the Suaram Malaysia Human Rights Report 2023 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).

According to the report, the present administration has shown increased acceptance to engage with the public on human rights issues and committing to legal reforms.

However, substantive progress in creating an environment for Malaysians and vulnerable groups to exercise their civil and political rights and to live without fear and violence is still limited.

PJ MP: Civil service reform call not fashionable, but essential

COMMENT | Snail pace reforms: First-year assessment of govt

COMMENT | Ten things Anwar must do to avoid being toppled

Ex-ISA detainee reminds govt to be firm on abolishing Sedition Act, Sosma