Civil Society Caucus for Policy Reform

Joint Statement by 12 Civil Society Organisation in KL on 2 March 2018

When the 14th general election is just around the corner, it is sad to see that the major political parties are either busy squabbling over seat allocations or trivial issues or making contentless media gimmicks.

We, as the civil society organisations, hold the view that the current power struggle among major political players has derailed from the political and economic reforms agenda.

Under the Najib administration, democratic space has been shrinking, draconian laws were enacted to stifle freedom, and corruption is rampant. The one-party state has been refusing to initiate any policy reform to democratise Malaysia.


On the other hand, what Pakatan Harapan are offering in GE14 has been reduced to the abolition of GST, strengthened accountability of AG, police and MACC, and various "reforms" in vague languages.

The regressive politics is justified by facilitation of political change, for which strategies based on the lowest common denominator that aims to woo BN traditional supporters have been chosen, at the expense of democratic ideals.

Political parties must promise comprehensive reforms to meet the demands of citizens. We hereby announce the establishment of the Civil Society Caucus on Policy Reform as a platform for citizens to deliberate over and convey the message of democratic reforms envisioned by the people.

We will announce more details about policy reform discussion or debate soon. While all citizens are invited to participate in discussions, political parties and electoral candidates are urged to present their manifesto and engage in policy debates.

We welcome all NGOs and concerned citizens to join the caucus and initiate debate or discussions on policy reforms relevant to their struggle.


Endorsed by :

1. Agora Society 
2. MEONET 
3. Youth Section of KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
4. Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy 
5. Youth Section of Melaka Chinese Assembly Hall 
6. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) 
7. OHMSI 
8. Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET)
9. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS)
10. Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA) 
11. Johor Yellow Flame (JYF) 
12. Sosialis Alternatif 
Regards,
Lim Yi Hui 
Chairperson 
Agora Society