PUTRAJAYA – A PKR youth wing delegate has called on her fellow party members and those in the government to intensify their efforts in the nation’s fight against corruption in line with the administration’s reform agenda.
Federal Territories deputy youth head Noor Amelia Zainabila Zaiffri implored them to elevate their commitment to the government’s reform agenda, echoing the consistent message delivered by the party’s president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, since assuming the role of prime minister a year ago.
During her debate at the youth wing’s annual congress today, she asked whether the party is on the right track, or whether the government’s reform agenda was “merely a rhetoric”.
“(Merely) chanting Reformasi is no longer enough. It has to be proven with commitment from all parties – including leaders, civil servants, workers of private sectors, individuals and family institutions,” she said.
“We are the successors to the party’s legacy. The anti-corruption culture must be instilled in all of us.
“I call upon all of you to unite and reaffirm our dedication to realising this reform agenda, contributing to Malaysia’s elevation as a respected nation on the international stage.”
Speaking to Scoop after the speech, Noor Amelia said that she believes PKR is on the right track in tackling graft, although extensive work is still required.
While acknowledging Anwar’s consistent mention of anti-corruption in his speeches, she emphasised the importance of continuous reminders from the party’s leadership to ensure that this commitment permeates through all levels, particularly at the grassroots.
“In every one of (Anwar’s) speeches, I realised he would mention (anti-corruption) at least once. It shows that he is serious and wants all of his members to follow suit.
“The party has strongly advocated for anti-corruption since 25 years ago, so it has to be the same now,” she said.
“This message is necessary now, as we are the government. We need to keep on reminding people (about this), it is not enough to say it once,” she said, adding that her fight against corruption resonates with her idealism in politics.
Referring to Anwar’s introduction of a Public Sector Governance Act and Integrity Plan during the recently tabled mid-term review for the 12th Malaysia Plan, Noor Amelia suggested that it would be better to refine the existing laws than introduce new ones.
This is because tabling a new act would be a tedious process, she added.
“I hope this new act could minimise the flaws that exist in existing acts, as well as increase the effectiveness of the law, especially in providing punitive action against individuals who commit leakage and wastage of public funds,” she said.
“We do not want an excess of corruption-related acts, what is more important is stricter enforcement in the fight against corruption.” – November 25, 2023