We welcome the government’s initiative to publish the “PetaRI” institutional reform roadmap.
This represents a positive first step towards transparent governance. It allows civil society to monitor progress and hold the administration accountable for any delays more effectively.
The digital accessibility is commendable, as is the commitment to stakeholder engagement sessions. However, we require greater transparency about how effective these consultations have been.
We welcome the inclusion in the roadmap of key legislation governing freedom of information, an ombudsman’s office and the creation of a parliamentary services commission.
But critical gaps persist.
Does the roadmap include laws to remove political appointments to government-linked companies? What provisions exist to limit the prime minister’s power to influence judicial appointments and appointments to the leadership of entities such as the MACC?
What appears missing in the roadmap is the reform to the Judicial Appointments Commission legislation – specifically the removal of the PM’s influence on the selection or recommendation of new commissioners.
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All these bills will probably be only as effective as the people appointed to lead the offices and entities established under the respective legislation. The selection of the parliamentary service commission chief, the ombudsman, and freedom of information appeals board members will determine whether these reforms deliver genuine change.
The most crucial question: who has the final say in appointing these key figures?
It is time to establish a bipartisan select committee to vet crucial appointments. Without addressing the appointments processes, even well-designed legislation risks becoming hollow rather than providing meaningful reform.
The people of Malaysia deserve institutions led by individuals chosen for competence and integrity, not political loyalty.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
