G25: Cabinet members must be capable of bringing about reforms

PETALING JAYA: With attention now on the formation of a new Cabinet, the G25 group of eminent Malays said Cabinet members must comprise individuals capable of bringing about reforms.

"We hope that Cabinet members are those who believe in reforms in both the secular and religious aspects of government to make the country a model of tolerance for our multicultural country and its diversity of race and religion.

"These reforms must include respect for our fundamental freedoms under the Constitution and our plural society so that all races will feel a sense of pride and as citizens of the country," they said in a statement on Tuesday (March 3).

The group however expressed "deep disappointment and frustration" at the political process that brought about the change in government.

"A motion for a vote of no-confidence would have been the most appropriate move in the forthcoming sitting of Parliament as it is a constitutional right of the Opposition, following the correct constitutional and democratic practice," they said, adding that Malaysians had in the previous general election given Pakatan Harapan the mandate to govern.

They said, however, they welcome the assurance given by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) in his speech on Monday (March 2) that his priority as Prime Minister is to increase administrative integrity and management, and to fight corruption and abuse of power.

"We are further heartened by his assurance that his Cabinet will comprise clean individuals with calibre," they added.

They urged the new Prime Minister to respect the wishes of the people who strongly advocate for urgent institutional reforms.

"We want to see considerable changes to the electoral system, so as to provide a level playing field for all political parties, big and small, with money politics being banned," they said, adding that they want to see a strong system of checks and balances being set up.