The Malaysian Bar's International Malaysia Law Conference ("IMLC") 2018 is taking place from 14 to 17 Aug 2018 at The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur.
By Joachim Xavier, Member of the Bar
It is without a doubt that the wave of change that was ushered in on 9 May 2018 continues to be felt 97 days later here at IMLC 2018. Pakatan Harapan (“PH”)’s 10 GE14 promises in 100 days, as set out in its manifesto (“Manifesto”), have become the focus of the rakyat who are eager to see these promises fulfilled. The moderator of the session, Christopher Leong, former President of the Malaysian Bar, set the tone of the session when he gave a succinct report of PH’s progress in fulfilling these promises. Promises such as the abolition of the GST and the postponement of the repayment of PTPTN have been fulfilled while others remain as works in progress or are unfulfilled.
Speaking on governance, YB Senator Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Defence, was of the view that the numerous issues plaguing the previous administration led to a strong anti–Najib sentiment. The rakyat were also opposed to the imposition of GST. To that end, the PH administration is focused on inculcating an inclusive society and economy as well as encouraging the creation of a Bangsa Malaysia.
YB Puan Hajjah Fuziah Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religion) was of a similar view, stating that the new PH Government would be focusing its energies on rolling out “progressive and inclusive policies” in the coming years.
It is without a doubt that the wave of change that was ushered in on 9 May 2018 continues to be felt 97 days later here at IMLC 2018. Pakatan Harapan (“PH”)’s 10 GE14 promises in 100 days, as set out in its manifesto (“Manifesto”), have become the focus of the rakyat who are eager to see these promises fulfilled. The moderator of the session, Christopher Leong, former President of the Malaysian Bar, set the tone of the session when he gave a succinct report of PH’s progress in fulfilling these promises. Promises such as the abolition of the GST and the postponement of the repayment of PTPTN have been fulfilled while others remain as works in progress or are unfulfilled.
Speaking on governance, YB Senator Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Defence, was of the view that the numerous issues plaguing the previous administration led to a strong anti–Najib sentiment. The rakyat were also opposed to the imposition of GST. To that end, the PH administration is focused on inculcating an inclusive society and economy as well as encouraging the creation of a Bangsa Malaysia.
YB Puan Hajjah Fuziah Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religion) was of a similar view, stating that the new PH Government would be focusing its energies on rolling out “progressive and inclusive policies” in the coming years.
Robert Lau of Stephen Robert & Wong Advocates, Sarawak, touched on the ninth promise in the Manifesto, ie the setting up of a Special Cabinet Committee to properly enforce the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (“MA63”). He expressed disappointment that the promise remained unfulfilled despite it being the 97th day since GE14. Among his recommendations were that no politician be appointed as the chairperson of the committee, but that a neutral person, preferably from the United Kingdom, be considered for the position.
Professor Andrew Harding of the National University of Singapore argued that an enormous amount of constitutional changes may be brought about without having to make amendments to the constitutional text. He was of the view that despite almost all democratic countries in the world having decentralised power, Malaysia has actually increased the centralisation of power in the Federal Government. In rethinking this model of governance, he proposed the Principle of Subsidiarity, that essentially promotes decision making at lower levels of government.
Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, former Member of Parliament, acknowledged that the PH Government has done relatively well since taking over the reins of power. However, fulfilling economic promises such as raising the minimum wage or increasing corporate tax may pose a challenge, given the regional consequences that may follow. He brought into sharp focus the contrasting realities of the ordinary person benefitting from these promises, against the possibility of Malaysia losing its competitiveness at the regional level.
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, lawyer and activist, and also a former President of the Malaysian Bar, congratulated the PH Government for making significant leadership changes particularly in Parliament, the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Judiciary. She however wasted no time in calling for the immediate abolition of child marriage as well as the repeal of obviously oppressive laws such as the Anti–Fake News Act 2018, Sedition Act 1948 and the death penalty.
In conclusion, the plenary session saw the successes of the PH Government being lauded. However, it is abundantly clear that much is expected of this newly minted government, and the rakyat will hold the Government accountable not only as to its Manifesto, but to the practice of good governance expected of a properly elected government.
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