Youths to stage another anti-graft protest, send message to Anwar

Youth and student groups plan to stage an anti-corruption rally in Kuala Lumpur following the passage of several resolutions at the Kongres Anak Muda 2025, organisers said.

Speaking at the closing of the three-day, two-night congress, Liga Rakyat Demokratik vice president Fadhil Kasim said the rally will serve as a stern reminder to the government on combating graft.

“Student and youth movements are planning an anti-corruption rally, which will be set on a specific date, to deliver a firm message and mandate to the Madani government under the leadership of Prime Minister (Anwar Ibrahim) to consistently act fairly in addressing demands related to integrity issues in this country.

“For that reason, we, the youth movement, wish to send a clear message: 'see you on the streets’,” he said.

This will be the fourth anti-corruption rally to be organised by youths since Anwar took office in 2022.

Sabah students held the first rally on New Year’s Eve 2024 in protest of Musa Aman’s appointment as Sabah governor, as well as the mining scandal, which had begun to surface at that time.

This was followed by another anti-graft demonstration in Kuala Lumpur in January, and later another protest by Sabah youths in June, in which an effigy of Anwar was set ablaze.

Resolutions pushing for reforms

Kongres Anak Muda 2025, which ran from Dec 12 to 14 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), brought together youth and student movements to debate national problems and propose resolutions aimed at pushing for reforms.

Also participating in the congress were Bersih, Suaram, and SIS Forum.

The congress passed 15 resolutions on issues faced by communities nationwide, including concerns over leadership and the dignity of the people.

Among the key resolutions approved were calls for greater access to education for marginalised communities, a 30 percent quota for women in national politics, reforms to address corruption more decisively, and the separation of powers in key institutional appointments such as the MACC, Election Commission and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Other notable proposals included a review of so-called draconian laws, stronger protections for Orang Asli communities, and reforms related to environmental governance and sustainable development.

Nationwide tour

Mandiri coordinator Hamdin Nordin said that the resolutions will be brought on tour nationwide to gather support from civil societies and youth groups, to increase pressure on the government to act with more fervour.

Hamdin also added that the congress demonstrated that young people remain engaged despite perceptions of political apathy, and that the youth expect the government to fulfil its promises.

“They may say youth today are becoming lethargic, but today we want to show that young people care about this country,” Hamdin said, adding that they will continue to apply pressure if commitments are not met.

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