The word “transformation” has got a new additional meaning now. It also means Najib Tun Razak.
Why do we say so? It is simply because since taking charge in April 2009, the country’s sixth Prime Minister have been working tirelessly to bring about a wave of change to this country in various forms of transformation initiatives, thus giving transformation a new definition in the Malaysian context.
Many were doubtful about him and his leadership skills; some even thought he won’t last long. But today, the reality is quite opposite to the doubts many had on him. Beginning with Gagasan 1Malaysia that seeks to preserve and enhance the unique unity in diversity among Malaysians, the Prime Minister went on to introduce the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and most recently, the Political Transformation Programme (PTP).
While the GTP, ETP and RTP looks into reforming the civil service, economy and rural areas respectively, the PTP focuses on Malaysians aspiration towards a modern, progressive and developed Malaysia with a functional democracy.
Many Malaysians were taken by surprise when Najib Tun Razak , during his speech on the eve of Malaysia Day last year, announced the repeal of ISA, Banishment Act 1959, and review of the Restricted Residence Act 1933, Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984 and enactment of a new Peaceful Assembly Act to replace Section 27 of Police Act 1967.
The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, a new piece of legislation that replaces the ISA was passed by the Parliament in April this year. Prior to this, the Parliament in October 2011 also approved the repeal of the Banishment Act 1959 without any amendments, which was followed by the repeal of the Restricted Residence Act 1933 and the release of 125 individuals detained under the act and two hundred unserved warrants being cancelled.
The Government under also went on to amend Section 15 of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1974 to allow students to join political parties when they reach 21.He did not stop there. On 11 July 2012, Najib made another historic reform to the law when he announced the repeal of Sedition Act 1948. The new National Harmony Act will replace the repealed colonial-era legislation. The new act will safeguard the right to freedom of speech while protecting national unity by preventing the incitement of religious or ethnic hatred, and Najib also has instructed the Attorney General to hold a full public consultation before the new legislation is drafted to ensure that the views of all Malaysians are represented.Together, the series of historic and ground-breaking reforms by Najib represents the biggest shake-up of the country’s political landscape since becoming an independent nation in 1957.
