Petaling Jaya, 9 December 2024 – In conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) on December 9 and Human Rights Day (HRD) on December 10, Pusat KOMAS highlights the urgent need to address corruption and racism as interconnected threats to human rights. These systemic issues pose irreparable harm to the present generation, particularly youth, and jeopardise the future of an inclusive, equitable Malaysia.
Corruption is not just an economic or governance issue, it is a human rights issue. When corruption flourishes, minority communities bear the brunt, losing access to opportunities, justice, and basic rights. This perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and systemic racism, robbing future generations of a fair chance at life.
The disadvantaged majority, who are meant to benefit from affirmative action policies, have been sidelined by greedy leaders who have robbed the nation of billions of Ringgit. As a result, these initiatives fail to achieve their intended goals.
The 2024-2025 themes—Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity (IACD) and Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now (HRD)—emphasise the role of youth as catalysts for change. Pusat KOMAS urges young Malaysians to stand against corruption and racism, fostering a future built on justice, transparency, and dignity for all.
Human rights are the foundation of a just society, yet corruption and racism continue to undermine these rights in Malaysia. Structural barriers and discriminatory practices deprive individuals and communities of access to education, healthcare, and employment. If Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim does not act immediately, he risks further diminishing the trust Malaysians have placed in him to institute accountability and transparency in public governance.
The younger generation will only be inspired if there is a serious commitment across generations. Unfortunately, many older leaders are entangled in scandals, making it difficult for them to serve as role models.
Our future and our present can only be realised through the fulfillment of human rights by all, for all. We cannot afford to wait for another generation to be lost to the devastating impacts of corruption and systemic racism. The time to act is now.
The Prime Minister must take decisive action to accelerate reforms promised in Pakatan Harapan’s 2022 manifesto “Kita Boleh!” (We Can!), which envisioned a “New Malaysia” free from authoritarian rule. However, slow progress on the reform agenda and persistent racial and religious tensions have raised public concerns.
Pusat KOMAS urges the government to take immediate steps to enhance the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Key reforms, such as separating the roles of Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor, enacting the Political Financing Act, Asset Declaration Act, and Government Procurement Act, as well as strengthening the Whistleblower Protection Act, remain unaddressed. Why are these critical measures still on hold? Even though there is a clear need to establish an independent National Harmony Commission to address racism, no action has been taken so far.
Let’s not wait for another generation to be lost to these injustices. Together, we can build a future rooted in integrity and human rights.
Happy Human Rights Day Malaysia & Happy International Anti-Corruption Day Malaysia