Anwar has 3 years left to prove he’s a reformist, says activist

Former Bersih chief Thomas Fann said the opposition needs to push for reforms to attract voters, especially if the unity government fails to implement them.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has about three-and-a-half years left in the “hot seat” to prove to Malaysians that he is a true reformist, says former Bersih chief Thomas Fann.

Fann said failure to fulfill reform pledges bandied about for years would see people losing faith and trust in Anwar’s leadership and in Pakatan Harapan.

“When you mention Anwar, many of us would instantly think of the ‘Reformasi’ movement. But after nearly two years as prime minister, we are yet to see solid reforms implemented.

“If he doesn’t prove that he’s truly a reformist in these next three years, people will lose hope in him and even in PH,” he said in an interview with Bersatu MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

Fann, the Projek Sama co-founder, said the opposition needs to push for reforms to attract voters, especially if the unity government fails to implement them.

He said he was disappointed that some PH leaders had become less outspoken and displayed no commitment to implement reforms.

“I hope the opposition will take this reform agenda and champion it because it is sorely needed (by the country),” he said.

He cited the appointment of new Election Commission chief Ramlan Harun, bemoaning the lack of transparency in the matter despite civil society’s push for the appointment to be referred to a parliamentary committee.