Anwar revives Razak's '3C' warning, says communalism and corruption persist

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has invoked the “3Cs” warning of his predecessor, Abdul Razak Hussein, saying two of the three threats - communalism and corruption - remain.

While communism, the third “C”, is no longer a threat, Anwar said Malaysia must not let its guard down against foreign ideologies, while confronting racial sentiments and corruption that continue to challenge the nation.

“Communalism remains deeply entrenched, while corruption continues to be one of the problems here,” he said when delivering a speech at the Remembering Statesman Tun Abdul Razak: “Architect of Nation-Building” programme at the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar said Razak’s warning on corruption remained particularly relevant, especially his message to young Malaysians that integrity is easy to pledge before assuming power, but can be compromised once a person attains authority.

He said the commemoration of the second prime minister should go beyond revisiting his life and contributions, and instead ensure that his ideas, principles, and political thinking continued to resonate with a new generation.

The irony, however, is difficult to miss as Razak’s son, former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak (above), is serving a prison sentence in connection with the 1MDB corruption scandal.

'Judge NEP by original mission'

Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim said one of Razak’s most enduring legacies - the New Economic Policy (NEP) - must be judged against its original mission: restructuring the economy and eradicating poverty, regardless of race.

The prime minister warned against reducing the NEP to a policy designed to enrich the elite or political cronies, stressing that its fundamental purpose was to restore dignity to the poor and open opportunities for those capable of competing in business and entrepreneurship.

“I still remember our speeches and discussions at the time at Seri Taman. He said, the poor do not recognise skin colour... and coincidentally (at that time) the majority were Malays.

“For me, the NEP remains a very noble vision in terms of restructuring society and eradicating poverty regardless of race. Unfortunately, in the current narrative, it tends to be interpreted from a different perspective,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Anwar said the government remained firmly committed to eradicating poverty across the board, arguing that this continued the original spirit of the policy Razak (above) championed.

He said Razak’s principle of restructuring society and fighting poverty without regard to race remained relevant, but needed to be strengthened and adapted to present demands.

Open to feedback

Earlier, Anwar recalled his own encounters with Razak as a university student, when he visited the second prime minister at his official residence, Seri Taman.

He said Razak took the views and concerns of the youth seriously, demonstrating an openness to listen even when their demands for change were firm and their criticisms hard-hitting.

For Anwar, commemorating Razak’s legacy must go beyond recalling the achievements of a former prime minister. It must also mean understanding the ideas, values, and principles that shaped his vision for the country and applying those lessons to the challenges Malaysia faces today.

“This figure was no ordinary person, and he did not come and go as a simple historical tale. That is why it is our responsibility to keep the flame of his struggle burning brighter.

“Remembering a statesman is no easy task. It can uncover history, inspire a longing for change, rekindle a sense of what is right, and serve as lessons and guidance. Not to bury the ashes of the dead, but to rekindle its flame,” he said. - Mkini