“SAYANGI Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih” means many things to citizens of this blessed country.

For some, the theme of this year’s Merdeka celebrations is a “call to arms” to fight corruption at every level of society.

For others, it is to ensure future generations get to enjoy clean air and water.

The Malaysian Insight talked to civil society leaders in anti-corruption work and environmental preservation about what the theme means to them.

Dr Muhammad Mohan, Transparency International Malaysia president

“To have a Malaysia that is clean, the task of fighting corruption must be shared by everyone. It is not a job for the government alone. Based on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission statistics, 53.4% of those who say they are open to taking bribes are the younger generation, below the age of 40.

“So, parents have a huge role and responsibility in raising their children. Children should be taught the value of not taking something that is not theirs. I myself was taught from young that taking even 20 sen unintentionally was an offence that my mother would cane me for.

“That is the way to teach a generation to appreciate honesty and integrity.”

Pua Lay Peng, Kuala Langat Environmental Action Association secretary

“Malaysia will die from corruption, because graft is the cause of all pollution. Eliminating corruption is vital for a country’s progress, as corruption is the main cause of pollution.

“Malaysia has failed to protect the environment since independence in terms of education, enforcement and legislation, and is now powerless over issues like the importing of foreign rubbish, and has nearly no clean rivers to speak of. Both the government and the people should reflect on this in our 62nd year of independence.

“I urge the country’s leaders to address the illegal importing of solid wastes that pollute our air and water sources, by bringing down the full weight of the law upon those responsible.

“The most pressing environmental problems we face are caused by corruption, and by our own actions, such as the illegal burning of rubbish. If police go after people for open burning, they’ll be let off with just a bribe.

“There are also many polluters who are let off lightly, and this, too, is caused by corruption. The government must quickly tighten environmental laws and come down hard on graft. I hope we will no longer have asinine ministers who tell the people that they can just stay indoors and wear face masks whenever incidents of pollution occur.

“I hope the country’s leadership will prioritise the environment, stop deforestation, stop hillside plantation activities that can pollute water sources. Save Malaysia, because our country is already a ‘paradise’ for illegal waste-recycling factories.”

Dr Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin, University Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer

“A Malaysia that is clean is a relevant theme for the times. Even though we have achieved a lot in terms of education, infrastructure and development, we are still bogged down by issues like corruption.

“The theme ‘Malaysia Bersih’ is not just something the country’s leadership came up with, but it really is for all Malaysians. Corruption can happen anywhere, in any shape and amount, even as little as RM10, RM100, in the form of gifts, positions, or money in the thousands – all of it is still corruption.

“We should never justify it based on the amount. We should never think that – I’m only taking a small amount, so it’s not a big problem. We need to clean up our thinking, adopt a rational worldview, and love this country of ours.

“A clean Malaysia can be realised only if everyone – from leaders to civil society and others, from all classes – works together. A clean Malaysia can only happen if everyone opposes corruption.

“You need to report it if you see it. You need to reject it if it’s offered to you. People need to be assertive in this matter. Never compromise or tolerate corruption. It’s something that all religions do not accept.”

S.M. Muthu, Save Open Space Kota Kinabalu activist

“I was born in Malaya and lived there until the age of 20. Life then was tough, but we were happy. The country wasn’t rich, but independence brought more local planning – slow but steady development of education, health and infrastructure. People were united and there was no open racism. There was no religious fanaticism or extremism, either.

“Today, I find it very sad. Power and privilege have been taken over by politicians. Those in power set the priorities, and they interpret the laws and constitution. Their priorities are getting power, and staying in power. Egoistic, racist and selfish leaders are destroying our beloved country.

“Sabah is worse off. Sabah was the richest state – not because of any oil, but because of its timber and land. Now, what has happened to all the land? Even the Orang Asal are being ‘robbed’. And who ‘cleaned’ the state of its timber? These are totally under state control! Many Sabahans think Malaysia is a form of colonisation.

“To overcome this, the autocratic decisions of previous leaders should be reviewed. Sabah’s autonomy in education and religion should be returned.”

Christopher Chan, business owner in Kota Kinablalu

“To be corruption-free, the government needs to seriously look into administration and enforcement issues. There are some agencies in need of a revamp. Leaders must take the lead and show the country they are serious about fighting corruption.”

Siti Kasim, lawyer

“‘Malaysia Bersih’ has a very far-reaching meaning for me. It means a Malaysia that is clean both physically and mentally. We should have a clean government. Clean of corruption and clean of any prejudice, whether racial, religious or others.

“Our society should be clean of those, too. Take for example what the Orang Asli have to face. The devastation to the forest, which is their environment, their source of living and way of life, is due to a government with a corrupt soul.

“It is also due to a prejudiced and bigoted outlook on the rights of a weak minority among our own citizens. We need a clean government, a clean society and a clean mindset.”

Tan Bun Teet, Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas chairman

“I find the theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih’ ironic. Our country has two toxic episodes in its history. The first was the Asian Rare Earth plant in Bukit Merah, Perak, which was decommissioned in 1992.

“The second is the import of radioactive uranium from Mt Weld in Australia. This imported ‘gift’ is harmful to humans. We don’t understand why the government is allowing toxic waste to remain in the country.

“The government asks the people to love the country on one hand, but on the other, allows Lynas to continue operations. If the government really cares about our country, and wants the country to be ‘bersih’, Lynas should not be allowed to continue operating in Malaysia.

“But I truly believe the government will consider the opinion of the people on the day of the general election. That’s the time the government has to please voters. That’s the time they will announce measures to win over activists like us.” – August 31, 2019.