Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the leaders of Asean member states to heed the voice of the younger generation as part of ensuring inclusivity in governance.
Anwar said the regional grouping had provided women and young people with a platform to voice their views, adding that not every country had such opportunities.
“But at every Asean leadership function, we have to sit down and deliberate the (views of our) youth.
“And we leaders have to shut up and listen to what is being expressed by the young (generation),” he said in opening the 46th general assembly of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.
The prime minister said elected representatives and government leaders must always hear and honourably represent the true aspirations of their people.
He added that democracy was not merely about holding elections every few years but also allowing the ruling party to be questioned, criticised and assessed by the public.
Anwar warned that being in power often exposed leaders to the temptation of corruption and amassing exorbitant wealth for themselves.
“By nature, power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Which means you must always be cautious and hold those in power accountable.
“We have seen governments fail because there is a tendency for those in power to amass wealth and to accept systemic corruption as a way of life,” he added.
Students were among those who led massive protests against corruption, politicised law, and lavish MP allowances in Indonesia earlier this month.
Joined by workers and rights groups, the protests quickly spread across the country after a police vehicle hit and killed a p-hailing rider at a rally.
Young activists and students also played a key role in overthrowing the Nepali government last week, with anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban culminating in the resignation of its prime minister.
