Youth Council Supports Rights To Protest Against Corruption
Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) President Mohd Izzat Afifi Hj Abdul Hamid has urged authorities to take firmer and more transparent action against corruption, while affirming support for the students who organised the recent Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest.
He welcomed the Prime Minister's directive not to take disciplinary action against Universiti Malaysia Sabah students who staged the demonstration. He said this decision reflects the value of ihsan as outlined in the Malaysia Madani vision. However, he questioned the Royal Malaysia Police's decision to investigate the students under the Sedition Act 1948, saying it contradicts the Prime Minister's guidance.
While condemning the act of burning a photograph of the Prime Minister during the protest, he stressed that such actions should not overshadow the protest's underlying message. The students had voiced their rejection of corruption, power abuse and poor governance.
He acknowledged the courage of the students and said their concerns reflect the younger generation's deep care for integrity in government. He urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to act more decisively and fairly, especially in high-profile cases. According to him, the fight against corruption must be consistent and impartial to restore public trust.
Citing Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, which gave Malaysia a score of 50 and placed the country 57th out of 180 nations, he said this was a clear sign that stronger national action was needed.
He called for a 'whole-of-nation' approach and said MBM was ready to act as a bridge between students and agencies like MACC. He also offered MBM's support in organising engagement sessions and policy discussions that involve student voices.
He concluded that the fight against corruption must be guided by wisdom, responsibility and courage for the sake of a clean and just Malaysia.
'For truth and justice,' he said. Related
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