Old Culture, Corruption Hinder National Reform: Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim identified resistance to change, particularly from elites entrenched in corrupt practices, as the primary obstacle to implementing reforms in Malaysia. He stated that after more than three years leading the government, efforts to reform the system and eradicate corruption consistently encounter pushback from individuals comfortable with the status quo.

Anwar explained that implementing the reform agenda requires political courage and sustained commitment to ensure the nation's administrative system becomes more transparent, ethical, and effective. He observed that combating corruption and strengthening governance perpetually face opposition from those who profit from current loopholes and inefficiencies.

Drawing on change theory, Anwar noted that societies typically divide into two groups: those inclined toward reform and those who resist it. He challenged the notion that only rural or less educated populations struggle with change, asserting that highly educated individuals, intellectuals, and those in power can exhibit similar resistance. He described this resistant group as "backward, stagnant, and viewing every change as a threat."

Separately, Anwar addressed the issue of school bullying, urging an end to the practice of concealing such incidents to protect institutional image. He argued that such concealment exacerbates the problem. He stressed that efforts to combat bullying must extend beyond disciplinary measures to incorporate humanistic values and mutual respect within the educational system. "We can be technocrats, IT experts, or hold PhDs, but what is the point if we are not educated to be humans who understand human values and respect others?" he questioned.