A former Suaram director has called for urgent reform measures to address structural issues after Skudai incumbent assemblyperson Marina Ibrahim was offered a chairpersonship at a statutory body as a backup plan if she loses in the Johor polls.

Kua Kia Soong said controversy over the matter has revealed systemic problems, including how patronage weakens democratic competition, with parties in power gaining access to not only state resources, but also positions that strengthen networks, loyalty, and political influence...