KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government must deliver key reforms it promised, including separating the roles of prime minister and finance minister and removing Tan Sri Azam Baki from the helm of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), MCA said today.
Party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon made the call during the 17th Wanita MCA Central Delegates third general assembly, recalling that DAP minister Hannah Yeoh had strongly advocated this during the last general election.
“During the last general election, DAP’s Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh strongly advocated via video that the prime minister must not also hold the finance minister post, gaining significant voter support.
“Yet today, PH appears to have selective amnesia about its own promises,” Chong said.
He highlighted that the recent Sabah state election signalled a growing local political wave, with peninsular-based parties facing rejection, and noted that DAP had threatened to withdraw from the unity government if promised reforms were not delivered within six months.
“The unity government must first fulfil Pakatan Harapan’s two crucial reform pledges: the Prime Minister must not concurrently hold the Finance Minister portfolio, and MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki must be removed,” Chong added.
He said both reforms could be implemented immediately, without cost or lengthy processes, and would yield instant impact.
Chong noted that after former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak stepped down, his three successors – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob – all refrained from holding the Finance Ministry, showing that separating the two roles is feasible and consistent with good governance.
He also criticised the continued tenure of Azam, describing the MACC chief as “highly controversial” and noting that the government had extended his term twice.
Other immediate reforms Chong said could be implemented include recognising the United Examination Certificate (UEC), gradually abolishing highway tolls, fulfilling PTPTN-related pledges, and reviewing all mega projects awarded to foreign contractors.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
