Corruption, racism in Malaysia must be addressed urgently, says NGO

Corruption and racism in Malaysia must be urgently addressed as they are interconnected threats to human rights.

Pusat Komas, a non-governmental human rights organisation that combats racism and racial discrimination, and supports the advocacy rights of Peninsular Malaysia’s indigenous peoples, said these systemic issues pose irreparable harm to the present generation, particularly youth, and jeopardise the future of an inclusive, equitable, Malaysia.

In its message in conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) on Dec 9 and Human Rights Day (HRD) on Dec 10, Pusat Komas said corruption must not just be viewed as an economic or governance issue.

“When corruption flourishes, minority communities bear the brunt, losing access to opportunities, justice, and basic rights, which perpetuate cycles of poverty, inequality, and systemic racism, robbing future generations of a fair chance at life,” it said.

Pusat Komas urged young Malaysians to stand against corruption and racism, fostering a future built on justice, transparency, and dignity for all, in line with the 2024-2025 themes – ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’ (IACD) and ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’ (HRD), both of which emphasise the role of youth as catalysts for change.

“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.”

Malaysia, the group said, 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. 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.

The group said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must take decisive action to accelerate reforms promised in Pakatan Harapan’s 2022 manifesto “Kita Boleh!” (We Can!), which it said 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.”

“If Anwar does not act immediately, he risks further diminishing the trust Malaysians have placed in him to institute accountability and transparency in public governance,” it added.

The group hoped the government would take immediate steps to enhance the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and initiate 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.

“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 yet,” it added.

Yesterday, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran, told the Dewan Rakyat that an interim report on the division of powers between the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor was being prepared by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department.

He said the report by the Comparative Studies Task Force would be completed within a year and submitted to the cabinet for review.