Street protests aren't enough – Nurul Izzah must defend judicial independence from within

The Star

a day ago

As concerned youth leaders and citizens, Selangor MCA Youth is compelled to speak out against what we believe is political theatre that undermines rather than advances the cause of judicial independence.
We refer to PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar's participation in the recent "Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence" protest organised by the Malaysian Bar. While we respect the right of every Malaysian to voice their concerns, we find it questionable that someone of her position – both as the deputy president of the ruling party and the daughter of the Prime Minister – chooses to make her stand via a street demonstration.
It should be highlighted that Nurul Izzah is not an opposition MP, nor an ordinary citizen. Wielding the second-highest post in PKR, Nurul has direct access to the top leadership, including her father, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. With such influence, shouldn't she be addressing these issues internally – within her party, her Cabinet, or even at her own dinner table?
Are Nurul Izzah's actions a carefully choreographed political performance to appease public sentiment while avoiding real internal accountability? Or do they point to a breakdown of trust and communication within PKR and among her own family members?
If the deputy president of a ruling party feels the need to protest against her own party leader and father in public, it raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of internal dialogue in PKR. Has internal communication completely broken down? Is there no space left for honest discourse within the party ranks?
If Nurul Izzah is truly sincere in upholding judicial independence, then surely the proper course of action would be to speak up through institutional channels – the party platform, Cabinet committees or even directly to the Prime Minister himself.
To jolt PKR's memory: Their party once recommended disciplinary action against Rafizi Ramli for internal dissent. Now that the deputy president herself is protesting publicly against her party's numero uno, will PKR apply the same standards? Or has political protest against one's own party become the new acceptable form of expression?
The rakyat isn't looking for drama or street performances. Malaysians desire meaningful reform, transparency, and genuine political accountability.
Selangor MCA Youth calls on PKR and the Prime Minister to formally respond to the four demands issued by the Malaysian Bar and to state clearly the party's stance on alleged executive interference in the judiciary. Silence is no longer an option.
TAN JIE SEN
MCA Youth central committee member, Selangor MCA Youth chief