KUALA LUMPUR: Defending free speech and pushing for systemic reforms were among the key pledges made to the people before the last general election, but these have yet to materialise, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
“But after coming to power, where are the reforms? The promises were written down clearly in black and white, yet their implementation remains a distant prospect,” said the MCA secretary-general.
Chong said that besides safeguarding the rights of the Chinese community, MCA must also stand up for social justice more broadly.
He cited the controversy surrounding Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who has been accused of excessive share ownership and alleged links to a so-called “corporate mafia”.
He pointed out that Pakatan Harapan had previously pledged in its election manifesto to carry out institutional reforms to ensure the MACC could operate with genuine independence.
“Back then, they promised to reform the appointment mechanism for the MACC chief commissioner so that it would no longer be decided unilaterally by the prime minister, but appointed by and accountable to Parliament,” he said during MCA’s 77th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA here on Saturday (March 7).
Chong also raised concern over a recent move involving Malaysian lawyer, columnist and commentator Ang Woei Shang, whose Facebook page was reportedly blocked in Malaysia following instructions from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“If the government believes Ang Woei Shang has spread false information, then charge him through open and proper legal processes.
“But the government instead chose to block his platform for expression. This is a blatant act of suppressing the people’s freedom of speech,” said Chong.
He said this ran contrary to the reformist image and promises that had been made to voters.
“Defending freedom of expression and pushing for institutional reforms were their commitments to the people.
“But after all this time in power, where are the reforms? The promises are crystal clear on paper, yet their implementation is nowhere to be seen,” he added.
