Anti-graft rally organiser demands 3 reforms from govt or face larger protest

Summary

• Anti-corruption group demands swift reforms, including the separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor’s offices, MACC independence, and a Political Financing Act.

• The group’s secretary, Zaim Zulkifli warns of larger protests if the government fails to act.

• Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh confirms ongoing discussions to act on the demands, stressing that reforms require broad support for successful implementation.

An anti-graft rally organiser has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government to fulfil their demands for institutional and legislative reforms to combat corruption.

Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah secretary Zaim Zulkifli warned that failure to act would prompt a larger and more intense demonstration.

In a memorandum, the group demanded the separation of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to be expedited along with the separation of the latter from the Prime Minister’s Office; making the MACC an independent agency free from executive influence; and introducing the Political Financing Act.

“No one will oppose you or your government if these three institutional reforms are implemented. No one will object or challenge them - so fulfil the mandate to act.

“Our warning is simple. Remain stubborn and ignorant to our calls, and we will take to the streets again - larger, stronger, and more determined,” he told the media after submitting the memorandum near the Parliament building today.

Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari received the memorandum along with 15 other government MPs.

On Jan 25, over 200 protesters gathered for the “Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah” anti-graft rally in Kuala Lumpur, demanding that Putrajaya fast-track reforms to fight corruption.

Zaim further urged Anwar to uphold the spirit of “Reformasi”, reminding the prime minister not to squander his term in office.

“The people have elevated you and the party with the hope that Malaysia can be changed and saved from corruption.

“The Madani government is not accused of being corrupt or involved in corruption. However, the reality is that Harapan’s reluctance to tackle the root causes of corruption earnestly is just as bad as its collaboration with the corrupt because this reluctance symbolises the enabling of corruption to fester in Malaysia,” he added.

‘Actions are being taken’

Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, who was present at the rally, praised the secretariat, comprising mostly student groups, for delivering the memorandum.

He also noted that the number of MPs receiving the document signified their openness to listening to the demands.

“Regarding these demands, fundamentally, these are the right matters. There is indeed urgency, a need to ensure that in terms of governance, abuse of power, and corruption, we have a platform and can ensure we control these issues,” he said.

Syed Ibrahim, also the chairperson of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Integrity, Governance, and Anti-Corruption, added that actions aligned with these demands are already under discussion, including engagement sessions with the government and relevant ministries.

“I am confident that the government and Anwar himself have stressed many times, both in and outside of Parliament, their readiness to listen and offer views.

“Particularly concerning the separation of the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor. Similarly, the independence of the MACC and the political funding bill are also being discussed, and actions are being taken.

“Ultimately, this requires strong support from all parties involved. Whether from political parties, students, or the public, I am confident that, God willing, we will strive to ensure these matters are implemented as soon as possible,” he concluded.

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