KUALA LUMPUR: Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has advised the government to continue focusing on economic growth and accelerate institutional reforms and disregard any negative statements made by irresponsible groups.
In a media statement, TI-M applauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's effort to reconcile with the opposition, asking all political parties to close ranks and build closer ties and work together to get the country to be great again.
TI-M urges the government not to be distracted but continue to focus on reviving the economy and accelerate the institutional reforms.
It further said that the government's plans on the Madani Economic Framework, National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) requires transparency, good governance and competent leadership for it to be successfully executed.
TI-M said that among the reforms that require the government's urgent attention is to; make an amendment to the WhistleBlower Protection Act to encourage individuals to report any illicit activities, passing of the Parliamentary Services Act and to continue to enhance the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in fighting corruption.
The statement added that the government's focus should also be on the passing of a Political Financing Act to ensure transparency over funds and prevent misappropriation of funds, bribery, fraud and abuse of power by political parties or politicians.
They are also asserting that there must be separation of powers between the Attorney General's Chambers and the Public Prosecutor's Office in order to maintain stability.
TI-M has also condemned calls made by some political leaders for the prime minister to step down as "sending out the wrong message" to the public and international community. They add that Malaysia needs political stability to attract foreign investors and for the government to see through the success of its economic revival plans.
Citing the "Sheraton Move" and that state elections have no legal bearing on the federal government, the statement by TI-M concluded with saying that any parties thinking of installing a backdoor government should "cease such futile and unnecessary exercise" and focus instead on working together to rebuild the nation.