MEDIA STATEMENT
MASA IN CONJUNCTION WITH INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY 2024
9TH DECEMBER 2024
This year’s theme of the International Anti-Corruption Day, “United with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” serves as a wake-up call for all segments of the society in this country to unite and collaborate in fostering a generation of youth who will be immune to corruption and a corruption-free community.
Inevitably, this theme is significant as it highlights the importance of integrity as the culture and foundation in our society’s efforts to combat the menace which has long been a pervasive issue. It is also a manifestation of the government’s commitment to instil anticorruption spirit among the youth.
Since 2019, some 2,332 youths, aged between 16 and 40, have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for various graft-related offenses. Such an alarming figure should serve as a wake-up call as it augments the pressing need for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to tackle corruption with urgency, through a more wholesome and inclusive approach.
In line with Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA)’s commitment to uphold the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (WKB2030) where one of its strategic pillars entails the fight against corruption as well as the implementation of comprehensive anti-graft reforms, MASA also advocates for national governance to be administered in a well-planned, responsive and integrity-driven manner.
As a continuation of WKB2030 and the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023, MASA urges the government to create a comprehensive monitoring mechanism to ensure the successful implementation of its anti-corruption strategic plans and prevention strategies as encompassed under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, in order for it to be a catalyst in enhancing governance, fostering integrity and preventing corruption.
The fight against corruption must be fully embraced and understood by all our young people. It should not merely remain a pledge! The government, therefore, should prioritise early exposure to anti-corruption education in its effort to raise public awareness and spread anti corruption messages at all levels of the society.
Efforts to combat corruption should begin with parents at home, followed by those in schools and universities. For instance, the role of Rakan Muda in schools should be enhanced to breathe new life in inculcating anti-corruption mindset amongst students via innovative methods such as by integrating sports and arts into anti-corruption education.
Cross-ministry collaborations with Rasuah Busters help support the government’s aspirations to raise students’ awareness on integrity and anti-corruption values, namely through the establishment of Rasuah Busters Clubs in schools and the strengthening of Integrity and Anti Corruption Course modules at universities.
MASA calls on the government to further strengthen its collaborations with civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement anti-corruption awareness campaigns and programs, nationwide.
Additionally, the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs by government-linked companies (GLCs) and private companies provide the opportunities to engage and reach out to youths beyond the formal education system, ultimately, helping to enhance awareness on prevention and anti-corruption education.
Justifying or rationalising corrupt practices will only sow the seeds of corruption which may eventually become systemic in society. It is even more perilous if corruption is accepted as a norm of life!
Therefore, the government must translate its political will into a holistic strategy for anti corruption prevention and education empowerment towards achieving Malaysia’s goal of being among the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033.
The time is ripe for us to unite and work towards the nation’s zero corruption agenda as even the least amount of effort can drive positive change.
Happy International Anti-Corruption Day 2024.
AZRIL MOHD AMIN
MASA Chief Executive Officer
