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Chinese organisations urge for reforms

Date: 24 Aug 1999
Time: 01:24:16
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Chinese organisations urge for reforms

In a move which is expected to further isolate the pro-Mahathir Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), 11 major Chinese federations and associations have outlined a comprehensive programme demanding for human rights and democracy, reported several Chinese-language newspapers on August 17.

Among the demands are a repeal or review of the Sedition Act, Trade Unions Ordinance, Printing Presses and Publication Act, Police Act, and Universities and University Colleges Act.

They demanded that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) be reformed so that it is accountable to Parliament, and compulsory declaration of wealth and income of people's representatives and senior civil servants;

The organisations called for a review of the Privatisation Master Plan, especially the toll rates; restoration of public confidence in Programme addressed to 'any incoming government'the police force; review the salaries of police force and institution of free and independent inquiries into allegations of police abuses and brutalities.

They also want assistance given to the Orang Asli communities and called for a free and fair media.

The 11 Chinese associations are United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), United Chinese School Teachers Association of Malaysia (Jiao Zong), United Chinese School Alumni Association of Malaysia, Nanyang University Alumni Association of Malaysia, Taiwan Graduates Alumni Association of Malaysia, Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Federation of Guangdong Associations of Malaysia, Federation of Guangxi Associations of Malaysia, Federation of Sanjiang Associations of Malaysia, Federation of Fuzhou Associations of Malaysia and Huazi Research Centre.

The programme is addressed to "any incoming government", and is addressed to both the currently ruling and opposition parties. The 11 groups also specifically call on the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and the Federation of Chinese Assembly Halls of Malaysia - widely regarded as "pro-Barisan" organisations - to endorse the demands.

It is expected that over 70% of some 5,000 Chinese associations and civil groups throughout Malaysia would endorse the demands for democracy and human rights. The move could further isolate the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Gerakan, the two Chinese-dominated component parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional.

Last month, 1,400 delegates at Gerakan's annual general assembly called for the repeal and review of the Internal Security Act, the Official Secrets Act and the University and University Colleges Act. The resolution angered UMNO's Acting Youth Head Hishammuddin Hussein who said the "time is not right" for such calls to be made.


Last changed: August 24, 1999