In a scathing critique of Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, also known as Peja, former minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim took to social media to denounce the Bersatu leader's dismissive stance on corruption. Peja had recently advised Malaysians to focus on putting food on the table rather than being preoccupied with "hearsay" about graft.
Zaid's response highlighted the dangerous implications of Peja's shocking remarks, emphasizing that corruption directly undermines the livelihoods of ordinary Malaysians. "If we do not worry about corruption, there will be less food on the table, Peja," Zaid declared, pointing out the undeniable link between unchecked corruption and worsening economic inequality.
Peja’s comments come in the wake of informants' allegations and media reports exposing corruption among political figures in Sabah. Instead of lauding the efforts of whistleblowers and investigative journalists, Peja suggested leaving the matter to authorities like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). However, Zaid questioned the MACC's priorities, stating that public exposure of corruption would inevitably exert pressure on the enforcement agency to investigate without being selective bias.
“Peja’s response is understandable,” Zaid wrote. “After all, GPRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) were all part of Bersatu coalition. But it’s a wrong response for a national leader to ridicule the value of whistleblowers in dealing with corrupt politicians.” Zaid praised independent media outlets like Malaysiakini for shedding light on corruption, arguing that such efforts are essential to hold power to account.
Zaid also criticized Peja’s repeated use of the term “hearsay” to dismiss the corruption claims, describing it as an attempt to trivialize credible allegations. “I wonder why Peja uses the word hearsay?” Zaid remarked, and hinted at a wider hesitation within Bersatu to address corruption allegations involving its members.
This exchange underscores the high stakes of fighting corruption in Malaysia. For leaders like Zaid, ignoring graft in favor of superficial stability is a perilous trade-off that could exacerbate systemic inequality and erode public trust in governance.
By calling out Peja’s tone-deaf remarks, Zaid draws attention to the urgent need for transparency and accountability to safeguard Malaysia’s future.
By: Kpost
Information Source: Malaysiakini , X(Twitter)/@zaidibrahim
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