Anwar Calls for Greater Accountability Among Those in Power

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater accountability among those wielding political and economic power, saying democratic accountability must extend beyond elections.

Speaking at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2026, themed “Watching the Watchmen in an Imbalanced World”, Anwar said societies had failed to fully hold those in power accountable for their decisions and their consequences.

Anwar Says Democratic Accountability Must Go Beyond Elections

He said the issue had become increasingly important amid unilateral tariffs, ongoing conflicts, rapid technological advances and growing global inequalities.

Referring to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Anwar recalled how businesses built over generations collapsed while Malaysia’s economy contracted by more than 7 per cent in 1998, with ordinary Malaysians bearing much of the impact.

He said those in positions of authority could make decisions without adequately considering people who had little access to policymakers.

Anwar also called for reforms to major multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary Fund, while stressing the need for Asean to play a more influential role in shaping regional developments.

He said Malaysia would continue engaging with major powers despite competing interests, while advocating negotiations, trade and investment to resolve regional disputes.

Anwar stressed that democracy should not merely be proclaimed, but practised through genuine accountability.