Don't belittle reforms undertaken by Malaysia
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PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia has undertaken vast reforms reflecting its concerns on civil liberties and the rule of law, and this should not be simply brushed aside by detractors of the government.
Acknowledging there was more work to be done on these issues, he said society too had to be prepared for change.
"Because what's important is the end result. And as prime minister of this country, I'm committed to ensuring peace, stability and harmony (of Malaysia). That's the most important thing, and people must respect that," he said.
Najib said this in response to a question on this matter at a joint press conference with United States (US) President Barack Obama following talks between both leaders here today in conjunction with the president's three-day visit to Malaysia.
He noted that in the case of Malaysia, there were sensitivities involved relating to minority and majority groups as well in managing the country.
Highlighting some of the reforms that had taken place since he came to office in 2009, Najib said they included the major undertaking of abolishing the Internal Security Act and the introduction of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
"Other countries have not done so, but Malaysia has taken the lead in doing so...within this period, it would be fair to say that this is the largest or biggest reforms in terms of civil liberties in Malaysian history.
"And, I think, you should not underestimate or diminish whatever we have done," Najib said.
Alluding to the sodomy case involving opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister said he wanted to put on record that it was not about the government versus Anwar.
He told the press conference, which was carried live by Malaysian television and CNN, that it involved a former employee of Anwar who had taken up the case against him.
"And under the eyes of the law, even if you're a are small man or a big man, we have equal justice and I think you too believe in that principle," Najib said.
"Be assured that Malaysia is committed to the rule of law, to the independence of the judiciary and to civil liberties," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Obama said issues like human rights, civil liberties and press freedom were not far from the agenda in his meetings with other world leaders, and this was also the case with his meeting with Najib.
The president said views implying that Malaysia was not doing enough to address such concerns might not fully reflect the progress that had been made by Najib.
Obama pointed out the fact that he was not going to meet with Anwar on this trip was in itself not indicative of a lack of concern over such issues, given the fact that "a whole lot of people I don't meet with, and opposition leaders I don't meet with".
Read more: Obama in KL: Don't belittle reforms undertaken by Malaysia - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/font-color-red-obama-in-kl-font-don-t-belittle-reforms-undertaken-by-malaysia-1.580458#ixzz304xst5tK
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