Malaysia PM Anwar’s reforms are under fire after dropping graft charges
A series of corruption cases have recently been closed in Malaysia. These cases have raised concerns over Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ability to fight corruption. Lawmakers and analysts state that his inability to fight will alienate voters. It will also increase conflict within the coalition. To achieve the reform agenda, it will be difficult.
Anwar has claimed to be an anti-corruption advocate for over two decades as the opposition leader.
The Malaysian public wished that the country’s international standing would improve after Anwar was appointed. They hoped that Anwar could fight against the rampant corruption. Malaysia has faced criticism after the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Anwar has faced accusations from his party. They accuse him of betraying progressive voters after state prosecutors charged Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with 47 corruption charges. They also failed to appeal for the acquittal of former Prime Minister Najib Razak in a 1MDB-linked case.
Anwar claimed that he does not interfere in court cases. However, he had appointed the attorney generals. Hassan Karim is a member of the party. His recent behavior disappoints him. He considered Anwar to be a close friend.
He states that Ibrahim is more concerned with maintaining power than implementing previously promised reforms. The attorney-general’s chamber (AGC) was unavailable for comments.
Ahmad Zahid and Najib are former members of the United Malays National Organization. The organization was once the dominant party in Malaysia. Anwar had campaigned against the party.
Zahid and Najib are serving a 12-year sentence after being involved with the 1MDB scam. The AGC has dropped all charges against Zahid. The office states that it was an independent decision.
Malaysia experiences growing dissatisfaction.
The Malaysian public is wary of Anwar and his promised reforms after the 1MDB scandal. Najib has sought a royal pardon and appealed to reinvestigate previous charges.
The dropped charges have raised new fears for the public. The administration had blocked several news portals, and opened cases of sedition against the LQBTQIA+ community.
A lawmaker from the ruling party states that the party was progressive when it came into power. However, the public now views them as regressive. Analysts have warned that if Anwar backs out of the promised reforms, the party will lose voter support.