‘We will try to address Bersih's concerns, but reform takes time’ - Taufiq Johari

KUALA LUMPUR - Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari has expressed his intention to champion the concerns raised by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), emphasising that the process of implementing reforms takes time and effort.

"In this memorandum by Bersih, there are also several important demands that need to be addressed.

"If we look at the Royal Address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim at the Opening Ceremony of Parliament yesterday, he clearly stated that this time His Majesty wants political stability," he said.

Taufiq pointed out that now was the best time for the government to make comprehensive reforms.

"As an MP of the government bloc, I will take this chance to address the concerns brought up by Bersih and Malaysians.

"This time we will ensure quality debates aiming to effectively communicate and advocate for these demands.

"However, I would like to remind the people that implementing reforms does not happen overnight.

"We need ample time and the government needs to fully focus because there are many considerations that we must pay attention to," he added.

Taufiq also said he was confident and believed that the government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was heading in the right direction.

"I ask for the patience of the people, efforts towards the right direction are underway and have already begun.

"I assure you that this reform and struggle will continue.

"We will continue to uplift the people's struggle together as we have done in the past," he said.

Earlier, Bersih listed down several demands in its memorandum to the government which included a comprehensive reform agenda including no granting of a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for corruption cases, upholding legal sovereignty, opposing double standards and establishment of fair laws.

The rally began at about 8am and ended around 10.15am.