PETALING JAYA: An activist today said a change of government was not enough, as what the country needs now is for comprehensive reforms in many sectors.
“There are other issues that we need to change, from our electoral processes to economic reforms,” said Francis Loh, former president of Penang-based pressure group Aliran.
He was speaking at the launch of “Regime Change in Malaysia: 60 Years of Umno-BN Rule End”, a book which brings together writings from more than 30 academics and civil society activists on the May 9 polls.
The book, which Loh edited, discusses issues leading to the 14th general election and what ensued after the change in the government.
Loh said the book records the achievements of Malaysians in the historical polls.
“We have achieved a lot in bringing a transition of a 60-year-old government, peacefully. But to Aliran, a change in government is not enough.”
Meanwhile, one of the book’s contributors, Faisal S Hazis, said reforms were needed for a party like Umno.
He said opposition parties were needed in a democracy, but each of them should have its own direction.
“We hope that opposition parties, even if they do not win a seat but managed to obtain a certain number of votes, can speak out on various issues facing the country,” said Faisal, who is part of Putrajaya’s electoral reforms committee.