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The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Digital reform roadmap a good move but gaps remain
PETALING JAYA: Other ministries must emulate the Legal Affairs Division's (BHEUU) initiative to publish a digital roadmap on the government's reforms and new laws, say experts and civil society groups. 'Consistently publishing detailed updates will allow the public to have a better understanding of the status of ongoing reform initiatives,' says the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4). The digital roadmap, Petari, which was published on May 23, would address the disconnect people feel with the lawmaking process, said C4's chief executive officer, Pushpan Murugiah. 'Over the past few years, BHEUU has shown its dedication to inclusive and participatory policymaking – which is a practice that should be followed by other ministries,' said Pushpan. 'For instance, the public would benefit from having similar transparency on the status of development of amendments to the Official Secrets Act, and Printing Presses and Publications Act, which are under the Home Ministry,' he said. While other organisations have commended BHEUU's initiative, they also argued that the roadmap is missing key reforms that had been promised by Pakatan Harapan in its election manifesto. Projek Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama) says the 'missing' initiatives include reforms to the appointment process for top figures in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Election Commission and the Inspector-General of Police. 'Reforms that are left out, such as those mentioned, should be considered for further studies and implementation before the term for the Madani government ends in 2027,' Projek Sama said. Petari, a Malay acronym for Peta Reformasi Institusi (Institutional Reform Roadmap) was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The digital roadmap lists 14 new Bills and amendments to existing laws that BHEUU is working on, as well as six legal studies and six strategic initiatives. The new laws include one to establish the Ombudsmans office, to regulate funding and financing for political parties and to make Parliament more independent, all of which have been targeted for tabling this year. Petari also includes amendments to the Election Offences Act, The Whistleblowers Act, the Legal Professions Act, as well as ongoing studies such as the separation of the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutors offices and the possibility of a Human Rights Tribunal for Malaysia. Projek Sama added that to improve Petari, the government should publish clear deadlines for when the new laws and amendments will be brought to Parliament and explain any delays. Petari should also include white papers on reforms to enable better public consultations so that the best solutions can be reached, Projek Sama said. Aliran, a human rights organisation, also welcomed Petari as a positive first step towards transparent governance that allows civil society to monitor the progress of reforms. 'We welcome the inclusion in the roadmap of key legislation governing freedom of information, an ombudsman's office and the creation of a parliamentary services commission. But critical gaps persist,' Aliran said. These gaps include initiatives to remove political appointments to government-linked companies, and limits to the prime minister's power to influence the appointment of judges, Aliran said. 'All these Bills will probably be only as effective as the people appointed to lead the offices and entities established under the respective legislation. 'It is time to establish a bipartisan select committee on vetting crucial appointments. Without addressing the appointments processes, even well-designed legislation risks becoming hollow rather than providing meaningful reform,' added Aliran.
Rakyat Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
Izzy Or Fizi? Nurul Izzah & Rafizi Ramli Are Likely Battling Over PKR Deputy President Role
Subscribe to our FREE Some changes might be happening behind the scenes in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), especially regarding who's taking the second highest spot in the party. Word has it that economic minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned from a short leave to defend his role as the party's deputy president, a role he won in the 2022 party polls. The other favoured contender is none other than Nurul Izzah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter, who is currently one of PKR's four vice-presidents. Initially, a rematch between Rafizi and PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was expected, but a recent Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli. Image: Malay Mail Nurul Izzah seems to have a There were whispers that some factions within the party were unhappy with Rafizi's leadership after recent mishaps during the division-level elections such as technical glitches to alleged mismanagement of votes. The unhappy parties are allegedly urging Nurul Izzah to throw her name into the ring of contenders for the role of vice president. Due to potential cries of nepotism, many believe she should be judged based on her So, who do you think would suit the role as PKR vice president? Here's the comparison between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah's qualifications and achievements. The battle of brains Both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah have storied histories and have achieved many greats in their lives. We'll start with the easier to see at a glance; their academic qualifications. Before entering politics, Meanwhile, He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Leeds in 1999 and undertook a chartered accountant accreditation with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). When did they enter politics? Nurul Izzah's political career began in 1999 with the creation of PKR where she also played a vital role in its establishment. In 2008, she won her first parliamentary election in Lembah Pantai after giving birth to her first child. During her first term, she launched a constituency service centre which offered free tuition to low-income students and organised medical camps for lower-income residents through the People's Housing Programme (PPR) flats. She went on to launch several other initiatives including MyKasih Foundation, the first cashless food stamp system in her constituency. She won the re-election in 2013 which allowed her to introduce seven private member bills. She also advocated to abolish the Printing Presses and Publications Act to promote greater media freedom. In 2018, she became the MP of Permatang Pauh, her family's historical constituency. During this time, she introduced Malaysia's inaugural covid-adjusted Multidimensional Poverty Index report in 2021. She held the position until she lost her parliamentary seat in 2022. However, in early 2023, she served as a Senior Advisor to the prime minister before stepping down not long after. READ MORE: Overall, Nurul Izzah is known for advocating political and civil rights, and gained the nickname ''Puteri Reformasi'' (Reformation Princess). Her activism championed overlooked issues such as educational equity, women's empowerment, technical and vocational education and training, and institutional reform. Nurul Izzah meeting her constituents. Image: Malay Mail As for Rafizi, he's said to have taken an active role in politics and activism during his studies in the late 90s following Anwar's exit from the government at the start of the Reformasi movement and protests against the then Barisan Nasional-led government. However, he started his career as an accountant in London before returning to Malaysia. Once home, he held several positions working with the national oil and gas company, Petronas, from 2003 to 2009. He claimed that he became a millionaire by the age of 30 while working in Petronas. READ MORE: He later worked with the local healthcare company Pharmaniaga in 2009. In the same year, he took on the position as the CEO of Selangor Economic Advisor's Office before leaving in 2012. His first foray of politics was in 2003 when he became PKR Youth's treasurer and was appointed as a member of PKR's high council in the same year. This made him the youngest person to be given the position at the time. From 2010 to 2014, he was PKR's strategic director and was chosen as the central party's vice-president the same year, a position he held until 2018. In 2013, he was elected as the Pandan MP but did not contest in the 2018 general election (GE14) due to a string of convictions where he was sentenced to 30-months in prison. He was found guilty of leaking confidential banking documents relating to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) in 2012 aka the ''cow conspiracy.'' Rafizi during his Invoke Malaysia days. Image: Malay Mail Despite being mired in controversy, he established the National Oversight and Whistleblowers Centre (NOW) in 2012 which fought to protect and encourage transparency and accountability within all government levels. He contested to become the party's deputy president in 2018 but lost to former Pakatan Harapan minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali. In 2019, he left the political scene to pursue other goals such as focusing on his political campaign management firm Invoke Malaysia. He returned to politics in 2022 to much of people's excitement. This is largely due to his role of being a strong proponent against corruption and a well-known whistleblower in a number of high profile cases involving mismanagement in the government and its subsidiaries. He won the PKR deputy president post in 2022, defeating Saifuddin Nasution. READ MORE: READ MORE: Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as being the ''formula king'' for his detailed breakdowns against the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), increased petrol prices and subsidies, including exposing corruption and the mishandling of public funds. He leaked a 98-page classified auditor general's report in 2016, exposing the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. For this, he was accused of sedition and was sentenced to about 18-months jail under the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA). Now that you sort of know Rafizi and Nurul Izzah's career histories, who do you think has more mettle in politics? Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Press freedom ranking up
NUJM: Legislation changes have bumped M'sia to 88th place PETALING JAYA: Legislation changes in the media industry has contributed to Malaysia's improved press freedom ranking, says the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM). NUJM general secretary Teh Athira Mohammed Yusof said Malaysia's improved ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index was made possible by the passing of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill at the parliamentary level in February. 'As the government works towards gazetting the Bill, we hope that it will strengthen the country's journalism industry,' she said in a statement. Teh Athira said the union also attributed the achievement to journalists, editors and media practitioners who strived for press freedom. She said the union is hopeful that journalists would no longer be under the pressure of the Printing Presses and Publications Act following the establishment of MMC. Malaysia rose to 88th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. The country recorded a score of 56.09 this year, marking a rebound from 2024 when it dropped to 107th with a score of 52.07. Addressing the rise of artificial intelligence in journalism, Teh Athira said the technology should not replace talents, skills and creativity of journalists. 'This is an important part as it will also ensure better welfare of the journalists working in the industry. We hope that with the MMC, more guidelines can be issued. 'NUJM is ready to offer our assistance on the matter in the future,' she added. Within the Asean region, Malaysia holds the second highest position, trailing just behind neighbouring Thailand, which ranks 85th. Brunei is ranked 97th, followed by the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th) and Vietnam (173rd). The World Press Freedom Index evaluates the state of media freedom in 180 countries by examining key indicators such as political environment, legal safeguards, editorial independence, transparency and the safety of journalists.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Improved rankings show country's commitment to journalistic reform, freedom, says union chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The improved standing of Malaysia in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is a testament to the country's commitment to media reforms and journalistic freedom, said National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) president Low Boon Tat. "Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, a day to honour the courage of journalists who speak truth to power. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a transparent society. "Congratulations to Malaysia for now ranking 88th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. This shows there is still room for improvement to ensure our media remains free and upholds integrity. "We stand with journalists and photojournalists not just today, but every day in pursuit of truth, justice and freedom of expression," he said. Malaysia rose 19 places to 88th in the latest index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a score of 56.09 — up from 52.07 last year when it ranked 107th. NUJ-NSTP branch chairman Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said the formation of the Malaysian Media Council had been instrumental in this progress. "This improvement is encouraging and shows that we are heading in the right direction. The formation of the Malaysian Media Council has contributed to this positive development," she said. However, she stressed that sustained improvement would require legislative reform. "There is still room for improvement, especially in reviewing legislation such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act. If we maintain this pace and reduce government interference, we can move toward greater press independence," she added. Malaysia now ranks second among Asean countries in the index, behind Thailand at 85th. Other regional rankings include Brunei (97th), the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th), and Vietnam (173rd). The index assesses 180 countries and territories across five key indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of journalists.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sin Chew editor's detention over Jalur Gemilang issue lawful, says Fahmi
JOHOR BARU: The detention of the editor-in-chief and deputy chief sub-editor of Sin Chew Daily over the publication of an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its front page was conducted in accordance with the law. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the police were legally empowered to investigate the matter, which has sparked widespread public concern. He said that the investigation was being carried out from three perspectives, involving the Home Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). "The initial offence was detected through the print edition of Sin Chew, and therefore the preliminary investigation falls under the Printing Presses and Publications Act, enforced by the Home Ministry. "In addition, investigations are being pursued under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, along with several other laws under the jurisdiction of the police. "Accordingly, any detention made to assist with investigations is in line with existing legal provisions," he said during a press conference after visiting the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Taman Sri Skudai today. Fahmi was responding to remarks made by the Malaysian United Rights Party (Urimai) interim president P. Ramasamy who expressed regret over the detention of Sin Chew's editorial leaders, calling the move excessive and shameful. Fahmi, who is the unity government spokesperson and Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament, said the involvement of the MCMC was appropriate, as Sin Chew also disseminated content through digital platforms, including its e-paper. "In this matter, two ministries and the police are actively conducting investigations. The final decision will be referred to the Attorney General's Chambers to determine the next course of action — whether prosecution or other measures," he said. On April 17, it was reported that Sin Chew Daily's editor-in-chief, and deputy chief sub-editor were detained to assist with investigations into the publication of an incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration on the newspaper's front page. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain later confirmed that both individuals had been taken into custody for further inquiry. The Chinese-language daily had published the illustration in conjunction with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. However, the depiction of the flag was incomplete, notably missing the crescent moon — a key Islamic symbol. The incident drew criticism from various quarters, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, who said that the newspaper's management and editorial team should have been more diligent in reviewing materials before publication. Following the backlash, Sin Chew Daily issued a public apology, clarifying that the error was unintentional and resulted from a technical oversight.
