The six-month ultimatum from DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke to PM Anwar Ibrahim highlights doubts about the government’s commitment to the reforms promised by PH three years ago. Why have DAP leaders remained silent in the face of mounting public dissatisfaction, only to speak out now, especially following setbacks like Sabah?
This raises the crucial question: Is the ultimatum a genuine push for reform or a political manoeuvre?
Pakatan Harapan, as the leader of the unity government, must be honest about the obstacles to reform. If progress has stalled, PM Anwar, rather than deflecting or remaining vague, owes voters a direct explanation. Are reforms being blocked by coalition partners or diluted by compromise? Voters deserve a clear acknowledgment of these realities rather than deflection or silence.
In a government built on coalition trade-offs, silence or vague responses on reform are unacceptable. Malaysians expect clear transparency from PH. If coalition dynamics block reform, PH must admit it openly—instead of shifting blame or issuing ultimatums after loss. Transparent acknowledgment of limitations is a basic expectation, not a weakness.
Notably, PH Ministers occupy half the Cabinet. Why is only Anthony Loke voicing dissatisfaction now? Does this mean PKR and Amanah have abandoned their manifesto promises?
Pakatan Harapan’s key reform agenda is to restore public trust in Malaysia’s institutions through transparent, accountable, depoliticised governance.
This means ensuring transparent, merit-based appointments to bodies such as the MACC, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Judiciary, so that no institution serves political interests. It also calls for robust parliamentary reform to strengthen oversight, empower committees, and improve checks and balances.
Equally urgent are long-overdue reforms on police misconduct, custodial deaths, and PDRM’s “Shoot to Kill policy”. Cases like Teoh Beng Hock, Indira Gandhi’s missing daughter, Pastor Raymond Koh, and Amri Che Mat highlight the need for an independent, empowered police complaints commission, transparent probes, and meaningful accountability. These reforms are not preferences but essential to a functioning democracy.
If reform proposals have been rejected, PMX, alongside DAP, should directly acknowledge it and explain the positions of cabinet ministers. Malaysians deserve full transparency on decisions affecting promised reforms.
Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy
13.12.2025