A recent video has sparked discussion among netizens after a University of Malaya (UM) student spoke about former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1MDB case during the Q&A session at the “Towards a Futuristic Nation: Leadership, Innovation and Transformation” forum.
Facing panellists Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, and Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (KJ), the student also expressed disbelief that people had donated money to Najib to help him pay the RM50 million fine imposed as a condition of his pardon, describing it as the “stupidest thing” she had ever witnessed.
University Malaya student raises concerns about normalising corruption
The student also questioned how future leaders are supposed to take a stand against corruption when “the wrong things” are being normalised. She then asked the panellists how they would advise young leaders to speak up against corruption.
“As leaders with great influence in politics and leadership, with corruption becoming a growing concern in Malaysia, I wake up to hear that the son of a political figure received RM4 million without working. There’s also the Tabung Haji scandal, which involves some political individuals, and the stupidest thing I’ve watched in my entire life is people donating to our former Prime Minister, Najib Razak, someone who is clearly linked to the 1MDB corruption scandal.
With this in mind, can I know where all the panellists stand on these issues? How would you advise young people, who will soon become future leaders, to speak up against corruption, think critically, and base their arguments on facts and statistical data?”
KJ acknowledged the student’s concerns, stressing that corruption and mismanagement should never be defended, even when they involve their own political leaders.
“We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about corruption, even if it involves our own leaders. What’s wrong is wrong, and what you cannot defend, don’t defend. Jangan menegakkan benang yang basah (Don’t try to justify what cannot be justified).
“I say this as someone who’s a member of UMNO and has served in the government. If there’s a case to answer for, we have to answer for it. Mismanagement is mismanagement, and we should never, ever compromise when it comes to integrity. So thank you for that question. That’s my position on this.”
“It remains a major concern for Malaysians, especially young people”
Meanwhile, Amirudin Shari acknowledged that corruption has been a longstanding issue in Malaysia, but said he was glad to see that it remains a major concern among Malaysians, especially young people, describing it as a positive sign.
“I’m quite happy with the question because this is a healthy development. For decades, since the 1990s, corruption has been a major issue that could lead to a change in government or influence decision-making. Corruption has been an issue for a long time, but it has not affected election results except in 2018. Now, it remains a major concern for Malaysians, especially young people. I believe it is a good sign.
The conclusion is that, as young leaders, we should never stop dreaming, and we cannot simply expect our dreams to materialise on their own. I have my own dreams, and so does KJ. We need to work hard and not just hope for things to happen or leave this responsibility to others. We are responsible for the nation, so we have to build something for the country and create something that benefits our families and our nation.”
Onn Hafiz also weighed in on the issue, describing corruption as a “cancer” that negatively impacts progress.
“I also want to echo that, in Johor, we are against any leader, individual, or business entity involved in corruption. I think it’s a cancer, and it has a serious negative impact on progress. So, my stand is that none of us should tolerate corruption.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
Also read: Frozen Assets Could Complicate RM50 Million Fine Payment For Najib’s House Arrest, His Lawyers Say
