A NON-governmental organisation (NGO) has called on the national unity government to address threats posed by corruption and racism to human rights.
These systemic issues pose irreparable harm to the present generation, particularly youth, and jeopardise the future of an inclusive, equitable Malaysia, said Pusat Komas.
Issuing a statement in conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) and Human Rights Day (HRD), Pusat Komas said that corruption is not just an economic or governance issue, but also one that concerns human rights.
"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.
{f 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, said Pusat Komas.
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, the NGO added.
"Our future and our present can only be realised through the fulfilment 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, Komas said.
Pusat Komas is a non-governmental human rights organisation set up in August 1993 that advocates for democracy and non - discrimination. - December 12, 2024.
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