Reforms in Malaysia must continue

Graphic: needpix.com

THE past few weeks have seen political upheaval in Malaysia, resulting in the appointment of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister leading a new governing coalition, Perikatan Nasional. Just as we were getting used to the new Malaysia, an even newer Malaysia has emerged. The government must now reflect and respect the will of the people it represents in these uncertain times ahead, made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economy downturn.

The results of the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018 demonstrated that the nation was crying out for greater reform from its government and institutions. The previous years of Barisan Nasional rule were characterised by high profile corruption scandals and gross abuses of power. Reform was never going to be easy after more than six decades without a change of government, and we must remember that Pakatan Harapan had only 21 months to make its mark against all this history. Despite multiple challenges and setbacks, progress has been made and cannot be jeopardised now.