The former Bersatu Information Chief has asserted that the government’s focus on “Reformasi” has waned following the decision to drop charges against Zahid Hamidi. This claim suggests a shift in priorities within the government.
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In a recent statement, former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan expressed his belief that the government’s commitment to “Reformasi” has waned following Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA). This assertion comes in the wake of several charges against politicians being dropped after Pakatan Harapan (PH) assumed power.
Wan Saiful remarked, “I think this is what the government wants now, when individuals whose integrity and credibility were previously questioned are finally freed from all charges by using existing powers. This means that the ‘reformasi’ touted by the PH government and Barisan Nasional (BN) is long dead.”
He further urged for the immediate implementation of a separation of powers between the attorney general and the public prosecutor to ensure equality before the law. Wan Saiful added that if the PH-BN coalition fails to take action, Perikatan Nasional (PN) would step in to initiate reforms, asserting that PN is more consistent in championing reforms than the current government.
Notably, on September 4, Zahid, who serves as the deputy prime minister and BN chairman, received a DNAA for all 47 of his corruption, criminal breach of trust (CBT), and money laundering charges linked to Yayasan Akalbudi, a foundation he oversees. A DNAA implies that the accused can be charged again with the same offenses.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim refuted any involvement in the decision during a parliamentary session.