Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged ASEAN leaders to heed the voices of the younger generation to ensure inclusivity in governance. Speaking at the opening of the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Anwar highlighted that the regional bloc had provided women and young people with a platform to share their views — an opportunity not afforded in every country.
“At every ASEAN leadership function, we have to sit down and deliberate the views of our youth. Leaders must shut up and listen to what the younger generation is expressing,” he said.
Anwar stressed that elected representatives and government leaders have a duty to listen to and honourably represent the true aspirations of their people. He added that democracy is not limited to holding elections every few years but also includes allowing the ruling party to be questioned, criticised, and assessed by the public.
Warning of the dangers of unchecked power, Anwar said leaders must remain vigilant against corruption and self-enrichment. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. You must always be cautious and hold those in power accountable,” he cautioned.
His remarks come as youth-led protests have erupted across the region. In Indonesia, students spearheaded demonstrations against corruption, politicised laws, and lavish MP allowances earlier this month. The protests quickly gained momentum after a police vehicle hit and killed a food delivery rider at a rally.
Similarly, in Nepal, young activists and students played a pivotal role in toppling the government last week. Anti-corruption protests, initially triggered by a social media ban, culminated in the resignation of the country’s prime minister.
