Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said it was time for Malaysia to step into an era of mature politics with a people-centric approach and good governance.

In a statement, he suggested that the Anwar Ibrahim-led administration abolish draconian laws that enable detention or punishment without trial, such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), Prevention of Crime Act 1959 and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015.

He said the Independent Police Conduct Commission should be replaced with the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission in its original form to improve police accountability.

A royal commission of inquiry should also be established to probe torture and deaths in custody, he said.

Sevan said the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 must be repealed and called for the Official Secrets Act 1972 to be amended and its use limited, to uphold freedom of expression.

He said Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988, concerning improper use of network facilities, as well as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 should also be repealed.

“A formidable majority in Parliament is a mandate to be utilised for the good of the people, not an excuse to silence critics,” he said in reference to Anwar’s unity government.