Source: Malaysia Chronicle

Written by  Melissa Lee

In a few hours time, Prime Minister Najib Razak will make announce a slew of earth-shaking reforms, including relaxing the Internal Security Act, if the information from his administration is accurate.

But after so many rounds of let-down, few Malaysians are holding their breath and certainly no believes that the measures would “redefine the political landscape of Malaysia.” A government source was reported by the Star to have said, “We already have the Government and economic transformations. This is now the time for political transformation in line with current global developments.”

However, despite the sweet words, most Pakatan leaders are expecting more cosmetics from the 58-year-old Najib, who desperately needs to prop up his fast-sinking popularity. His approval rating plunged 6 percent to 59 percent in August compared to 65 percent in May.

“’Greater Democracy’ is going to be the next buzzword,” predicts a caustic Charles Santiago, the DAP MP for Klang.

“Just like the previous buzzwords like NEM, NKRA and such, ‘Greater Democracy’ is going to be nothing more than hot air, a public relations gimmick to win boost his waning popularity caused by his mishandling the Bersih 2.0 rally, his inability to bring down the cost of living, his silence when the international community condemns Malaysia as a country that violates the rights of refugees. The ‘Greater Democracy’ that is to be announced will be a short list of inconsequential measures that will give the impression that the Barisan Nasional government has the people’s interest at heart.”

Very easy, implement electoral reforms immediately

Charles is not the only opposition leader with such a view although few wish to appear as ‘spoilsports’ before the speech due at 8.45pm Thursday night, as part of Najib’s Malaysia Day address.

Tomorrow, September 16, is the day that Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak joined the peninsular states to form Malaysia in 1963. Singapore left in 1965.

Najib is also expected to touch on his government and economic ‘transformation’ programs, which his crtitics have described as being more akin to ‘mirages’ or sleight-of-hand’ programs due to their lack of substance and result.

“It is very easy. If Najib is sincere, all he needs is to declare a complete cleanup of the electoral system before any general election takes place. What greater boost for democracy than this,” PKR vice president Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

Another PKR leader Sivarasa Rasiah stressed rejigging the ISA was not greater democracy. He said the only meaningful reforms would be the total repeal of preventive detention laws like the Internal Security Act, Emergency Ordinance and the Dangerous Drugs Act.

“If the PM wants to make a meaningful change for the people of Malaysia, then he should take our suggestions,” said Sivarasa, the Subang MP.

Let the press be the Fourth Estate

Meanwhile, Charles said if the Prime Minister was serious about the running of the country, then he should amend the Constitution to include a clause or section that says, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right to assembly and petition the government for redress of grievances”.

“Furthermore, the Prime Minister in his “Greater Democracy” speech should announce the formulation of the freedom of information act and outline steps to remove media control by political parties or their business affiliates,” said Charles.

“The main reform this country should see is in the organisation and function of the press. There should no longer be any political master hovering over media organisations, dictating agenda and chastising investigative journalism. Instead the press should be allowed to function as the Fourth Estate as it was designed so as to ensure true democracy prevails. Anything short of all this is not a reform.”

– Malaysia Chronicle