What’s just happened?
During 2020, Malaysia’s Corruption Perception Index score rose from 41 to 51 out of 180 countries, showing improvement in the country’s corruption problem. [[1]] However, Malaysians are still not satisfied, blaming a lack of substantial change on the economic downfall that has happened recently.
What does this mean?
On July 28th, 2020, Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak was found guilty of money laundering, abuse of power and criminal breach of trust. [[2]] Razak is also currently facing a second trial for pilfering an estimated $2billion from Malaysia’s State Investment Fund in 2015, now referred to as the 1MDB scandal. Razak claimed that billions of dollars would go towards progressing the development of the country. Kuala Lumpur high court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali sentenced Razak to 12 years in prison and a fine of RM210million. However, Najib will not be sent to prison right away. [[3]]
A group of devoted Malaysians who want to prevent corruption in the country have formed a non-profit organization called Malaysia Reform Initiative (MARI), who’s work mainly revolves around organising events to gather youths all around Malaysia to voice their ideas and opinions on Malaysia’s current political trends and transitions. This organization was formed in late 2019 and has received nationwide support. Despite its recent formation, MARI has gained partnership with groups including Undi Sabah, Higher Education Malaysia Association – HEYA, All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), Society for Equality, Respect And Trust for All Sabah, Institute for Leadership and Development Studies, Empower, Transparency International – Malaysia. [[4]]
Perhaps the most prevalent partnership is with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which aims to lead international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives. [[5]] For more than 50 years, their organisation has provided assistance for people who are struggling in developing countries, with the aim to reduce poverty and promote economic prosperity. With support from the USAID, MARI hopes to inspire change across Malaysia towards a fair and equal democratic society, as well as strengthening protection against authoritative figures’ blatant disregard towards the nation’s public goods. [[6]]
Furthermore, according to the latest updates by USAID, a donation of RM1 million to six non-governmental organizations based in Malaysia have been announced, including MARI. These six organizations have been assisting citizens who have been adversely affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This donation has enabled support to be directly provided to an estimated 4,000 households. It is no doubt that MARI is doing remarkable work despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, MARI is playing a huge role in handling the logistics and food supply from local vendors to each household nationwide. [[7]][[8]] With all the work that Malaysia Reform Initiative has done in such a short period of time, there is hope that this organisation will effect change in the political compass of Malaysia.
Written by Elene Chuah
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References:
[1] Transparency International, “Corruption Perception Index”, (Transparency International: The Global Coalition Against Corruption, 2019)
Website: https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi
[2] ‘Najib Razak: Malaysia’s former PM and his downfall over alleged corruption’ (BBC News, July 28th, 2020)
[3] Rebecca Ratcliffe, “1MDB scandal: Najib Razak handed 12-year jail sentence”, (The Guardian, 28th July 2020)
Website: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/1mdb-scandal-najib-razak-verdict-malaysia
[4] 'Malaysia Reform Initiative - MARI' (Hi-in.facebook.com) <https://hi-in.facebook.com/pg/MARInitiativeMY/posts/?ref=page_internal>
[5] Malaysia Reform Initiative (MARI), “About Us”, (Malaysia Reform Initiative Official Facebook Page) https://www.facebook.com/MARInitiativeMY
[6] USAID, “Where We Work: Malaysia”, (USAID From the American People, January 16th 2020)
Website: https://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives/malaysia
[7] U.S. Embassy in Malaysia, “US Embassy Announces RM 1 Million Donation”, (U.S. Embassy in Malaysia, May 14th, 2020) https://my.usembassy.gov/us-embassy-rm-1-mill-donation-051420/
[8] Malaysia Reform Initiative (MARI), “About Us”, (Malaysia Reform Initiative Official Facebook Page) https://www.facebook.com/MARInitiativeMY
Disclaimer: This article (and any information accessed through links in this article) is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.