KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) is urging the government and all parties to stop the culture of using corruption issues as a tool for political threats, bargaining or covering up governance weaknesses, and instead focus on genuine and effective institutional reforms.
ABIM’s president, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, said it takes a serious view of the people’s confusion and anxiety as the issue of corruption is increasingly presented in the form of rhetoric, perception and propaganda.
According to him, the situation creates the impression that ‘anti-corruption’ is merely a slogan to consolidate power, rather than a comprehensive reform to build the nation.
“ABIM urges the government to ensure the anti-corruption agenda is revitalised through clear and bold institutional reforms, including ensuring the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and expediting the separation of powers between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said ABIM also urges the government to strengthen whistleblower protection, enact transparent political financing laws, and enhance the government procurement system to prevent opportunities for cronyism.
Ahmad Fahmi said the people will not believe in the anti-corruption efforts if the actions are seen as inconsistent or selective, only targeting certain parties or changing according to the political season.
He added that corruption will not be toppled by slogans, but by consistent justice, firm institutional reforms, and the willingness to cut off the culture of cronyism. – BERNAMA
