No action, talk only, says Syed Saddiq on govt approach to reforms

KUALA LUMPUR: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has criticized the government for its lack of action in implementing reforms. The Muar MP highlighted several postponed reform promises, including the separation of powers between the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor. Another issue he pointed out was the unequal allocation of funds for government and opposition lawmakers. According to Syed Saddiq, after a series of discussions, opposition MPs still have not received any allocations, while government MPs receive between RM3.8mil to RM4.5mil. This disparity means that the people bear the consequences of their political choices, he stated during a press conference held in Parliament on September 18.

Syed Saddiq also raised concerns about the delay in asset declarations by Cabinet members. He criticized the fact that after eight months, this essential process has not yet been completed. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously emphasized that asset declarations by ministers should be transparent and responsible. The Prime Minister has been collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to enhance the process. When Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad assumed office in 2018, he instructed ministers to disclose their assets. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also made the same request during his tenure. During Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s term as Prime Minister, the judiciary and chief executives of government-linked companies were also required to declare their assets to the MACC.

Furthermore, Syed Saddiq accused the government of reneging on its commitment to fighting corruption and not dropping ongoing court cases. He argued that these were things within the government’s control and that the people perceive good governance as a deception due to the lack of action in these areas. Syed Saddiq reiterated his stance on supporting reforms and ensuring a two-thirds majority. On September 10, he announced that his party, Muda, would be withdrawing from the unity government but pledged to support Bills requiring a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat. The decision by Muda was made in protest of the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi case. Without Muda’s support, the unity government will be one seat short of a two-thirds majority in Parliament.