Student leader raises corruption concerns with MBs, Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: A Universiti Malaya student representative today sought the views of two menteris besar and a former health minister on corruption, asking how political leaders should address allegations of wrongdoing and encourage young Malaysians to speak up.

Ummi Umairah Bakhit raised the questions during a Universiti Malaya dialogue attended by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

She cited reports of alleged corruption involving political figures, including allegations that the son of a political figure had received RM4 million without working.

She asked the panellists to state their positions on corruption and other controversies, including the Tabung Haji controversy and the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

She also sought their advice on how young Malaysians could speak up against corruption and feudalism, think critically and use facts and statistical data to assess issues involving public figures.

In response, Khairy said corruption should be discussed openly, regardless of whether political leaders were involved, and urged the public to take a principled stand against wrongdoing.

"We shouldn't be afraid about talking about corruption. Even if it involves our leaders. We should not be afraid to talk about it. What is wrong is wrong. What you cannot defend, don't defend," he said.

Citing the Malay proverb "Jangan menegakkan benang yang basah" (don't try to stand a wet thread), he said wrongdoing and mismanagement should not be defended and those responsible should be held accountable.

"Never ever compromise when it comes to integrity," he said.

Amirudin said the younger generation's growing focus on corruption was a positive development, noting that the issue had not always played a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.

He said corruption had been a recurring concern since the 1990s but became a significant factor in the change of government in 2018.

He welcomed young Malaysians' continued attention to the issue, describing it as an encouraging sign.

Onn Hafiz described corruption as a major obstacle to development, saying it could undermine the country's progress.

"I think it is a cancer, and it has a serious negative impact when it comes to progress," he said.

He said everyone should oppose corruption, regardless of whether it involved political leaders, individuals or businesses.

The third edition of iFUTURE, held from Oct 11 to 13, carried the theme "Redefining Future Leaders Through Value-Based Leadership".

The summit brought together 1,231 student leaders from 20 Malaysian public universities and 30 international universities, including 406 international participants from 53 countries and 310 Johorean university students.

Organised by the Higher Education Ministry through the Department of Higher Education, the summit provided a platform for dialogue between student leaders and figures from government, industry and academia.