Dato Selvam Selliah
Vice President
MAP
Hindraf and MAP leader Waytha Moorthy’s open and heartfelt apology within mere hours of realizing an error in his public statement stands as a remarkable and exemplary act of political integrity in Malaysia’s public sphere. In an era where political figures often seek refuge behind excuses of being “misquoted” or “taken out of context,” Waytha’s swift acknowledgment and rectification of his mistake within 12 hours mark a refreshing departure from the norm and a bold step towards a new culture of accountability in Malaysian politics.
Waytha Moorthy has not only corrected an error — he has set a new benchmark for political ethics and reminded us all that leadership is defined not by perfection, but by the courage to admit and amend one’s mistakes.
Public apologies of this nature — issued voluntarily, without external pressure, and rooted in a sincere commitment to truth — are exceedingly rare. For a political leader who delivers public speeches almost daily to pause, recheck the facts, and immediately issue a correction demonstrates intellectual honesty, humility, and moral courage of the highest order.
Waytha Moorthy’s decision to own up to his mistake without hesitation or justification should be commended and emulated by all public figures. It signals a maturing of Malaysian political culture, where integrity triumphs over ego, and accountability takes precedence over deflection.