DAP demands reforms by year-end, sets deadline for federal government

Petaling Jaya – The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has issued a year-end ultimatum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's federal government, demanding the implementation of all outstanding institutional reforms. The party views critical reforms, such as separating the Attorney General's and Public Prosecutor's roles, capping the Prime Minister's term, and amending the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, as achievable before the 16th General Election.

According to DAP Advisor Lim Guan Eng, the party's top leadership will assess further actions if progress on these reforms remains stalled. He stressed that DAP's continued participation in the government does not preclude it from acting as a "check and balance." The party intends to persistently push for the fulfillment of manifesto promises and the completion of the reform agenda.

"Although we remain, we will continue to push for the government to fulfill its promises and manifesto, and for these reforms to be made," Lim stated, adding that DAP will not passively accept government actions that contradict its principles, citing the issue of establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into alleged corporate dealings involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM).

This push for reform comes after a recent DAP party conference where 88% of delegates voted for the party to remain in the federal government and continue advocating for reforms until the end of the term. Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed the overwhelming decision. National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo further emphasized the urgency, calling for the approval of two key bills before year-end to ensure reforms proceed without delay. He noted that the framework for the separation of powers and the Prime Minister's term limit is already prepared, and amendments to SOSMA and the Peaceful Assembly Act are long overdue.