KUALA LUMPUR – Following the recent spate of revelations on alleged corruption scandals in Malaysia, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cautioned that the problem has now reached systemic proportions, affecting all levels of administration in the country.
On a Facebook video uploaded today, the Port Dickson MP and PKR president said it is a no-brainer that Malaysians are against corruption, and there is a need for an effective approach to fight the problem.
“What is needed is for us to ask focused questions, like what we did with 1MDB,” he said.
“Nothing will change unless there’s a rakyat-based movement comprising those aware of their duty to save Malaysia.”
He pointed to allegations hurled at Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki who recently claimed that his account was used by his brother to purchase shares.
“Surely when there are serious allegations against an institution tasked with fighting corruption, those involved must step back while independent investigations take place.
“There can’t be an independent investigation if it’s done by the same agency.
“This is a big issue, not one concerning Azam alone, but involving a whole system in our country,” Anwar said.
Using the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal as a reference, Anwar said that such large-scale corrupt practices cannot take place unless “the system” allows it.
He also said that there are those among the public aware of these scandals and sweepingly label all politicians as corrupt.
“We must place our allegations in the right place,” he said. “Many create confusion by using Islam and the Malay race (in their rhetoric), but they protect corruption.
“What is Malay culture without ethics?” Anwar said. – The Vibes, January 11, 2021
