In a statement in conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day yesterday and Human Rights Day today, Pusat Komas highlighted the harm that corruption and racism causes and the dangers it said they pose to the future of an inclusive and equitable Malaysia.

The NGO said minority communities bear the brunt of corruption, losing access to opportunities, justice, and basic rights, which perpetuates the cycles of poverty and inequality.

Pusat Komas said while the majority of Malaysians had benefitted from affirmative action policies, many had been sidelined by corrupt leaders, leaving these initiatives unable to achieve their intended goals.

The group also noted how structural barriers and discriminatory practices had deprived individuals and communities of access to education, healthcare, and employment.

“Human rights are the foundation of a just society, yet corruption and racism continue to undermine these rights in Malaysia,” it said.

“Structural barriers and discriminatory practices deprive individuals and communities of access to education, healthcare, and employment.

“If Anwar does not act immediately, he risks further diminishing the trust Malaysians have placed in him to institute accountability and transparency in public governance.”

The group said Anwar must take decisive action to accelerate the reforms promised in Pakatan Harapan’s 2022 manifesto, adding that slow progress on the reforms agenda and persistent racial and religious tensions had raised public concerns.

It said the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should be enhanced, and legislation enacted for political financing, asset declaration, and government procurement.

“We cannot afford to wait for another generation to be lost to the devastating impacts of corruption and systemic racism. The time to act is now,” it said.