Alhamdulillah, I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister made on the eve of Hari Malaysia regarding his plans to repeal of the Internal Security Act, to review the Printing Presses and Publications Act, and to move a motion in Parliament to revoke the declarations of Emergency that still exist to this day, despite Malaysia celebrating its 48th year as a nation.
Even so, as all plans to change the laws of this country must first be brought to and passed in both Houses of Parliament, I urge all Malaysians to exercise a good deal of caution until these proposed changes actually come to pass.
Furthermore, we must work to ensure that whatever laws replace the function of the ISA, for instance, does not turn out to be as deviously draconian, if not more.
While this is a victory for all Malaysians, it is important we acknowledge that the victory is not complete. Reforms to our electoral system, our judiciary, in the police force, in basic governance and many other aspects of Malaysian life must continue. In fact, the Najib administration cannot but speed up these reforms. Take note of the following, among others:
- Dato’ Seri Najib must swiftly embrace the eight demands of Bersih 2.0 in ensuring that the upcoming 13th General Election will be a truly free and fair affair;
- he must commit to the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) that has until today been swept under the carpet;
- the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the VK Lingam case must be realized and effected;
- to dismantle the Umnoputra-centric “piracy” of the Malaysian economy; and others.
Therefore there are no laurels for us to rest on for now, really.
There is much work that needs to be done, and all sides must stay true to the cause of reforming and correcting all the mismanagements and misrule of this country.
All sides must work together, regardless of political leanings or ideologies, to ensure that this country we call our home will remain the home of our children, their children, and their children’s children.
All sides must work together for a better Malaysia.
