The Sabah state election clearly highlighted that public sentiment is not merely seeking a “hard working” political party, but rather one that possesses the courage to drive and implement genuine reforms.
I would like to express my gratitude to the 64 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for issuing the New Year joint statement fully articulates the key priorities of Malaysia’s progressive civil society, outlining 10 reform demands while acknowledging several institutional and legal reforms already successfully implemented by the MADANI government since taking office.
The joint message calls for the government to institutionalize civil society participation through “White Papers” before tabling bills and “Green Papers” before formulating policies or legal amendments. This is an excellent proposal to steer national governance toward greater transparency and progress.
Key issues raised—including the increase of parliamentary constituencies, direct elections for the Kuala Lumpur local government, the Political Financing Act, and the equitable distribution of constituency development funds—should be explicitly incorporated into a “Common Political Agenda” of the Unity Government parties for 2026. A consensus must be reached to subsequently initiate the legislative process in Parliament.