If we accept it as a fact of life, then we have failed
WITH two days before the close of 2008, most of us are hoping, if not praying, for a better year ahead.
On the local front, what is very significant is the move to push for anti-corruption laws.
The recently passed anti-corruption bill has “teeth to bite” on relatives of those involved in corruption.
This is because under the existing Anti-Corruption Act, action could not be taken against them.
The definition of “relations” in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Bill covers more than just the immediate family members and spouses.
The new law can act against in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces who abetted in the corruption.
For far too long, we have allowed corruption to seep into society until it has almost become a norm.
Corruption is not only in the form of accepting bribes to waive punishment for offences committed; it is also about the degradation of our value system, from our religious beliefs to family values.
If we have turned a blind eye against corruption and accepted it as a fact of life or in the course of work, then we have failed.
The common fallacy is that we believe if there is no greasing of the palm, the work will not get done.
But what is the legacy we leave behind for our children when they see us trying to pass off a RM50 bill to escape a speeding ticket, or trying to talk our way out of a fine for wrongful parking?
Often, we are quick to blame the enforcement authorities for allegedly accepting bribes.
On the flip side, why is there a need for corruption to be part of our life in order to get things done.
The public in the end has to foot the bill for corruption.
There are several facets to corruption.
An architect friend said his professor once told a class of undergraduates that even before they went to the job sites, they had to make up their mind that they would not accept bribes.
But he was quick to add that many people assumed they would not take bribes until they saw the thick wad of notes.
A contractor said in the securing of a project, there were many occasions when he would have to meet up with intermediaries who wanted a cut from the project.
This would range from a government official who could arrange for quick land approval, to the brick supplier who would want to provide substandard bricks at a higher price.
In the end, the house would cost 30% more due to extra works to compensate for the poorer building materials.
Due to the corrupt practices, the house buyer would have to bear the cost.
Just as a house needs solid bricks to withstand the test of time and weather, a country needs leaders, civil servants and a private sector able to stand up to corruption.
We should not accept anything less.
Joseph Chin
The Star
31/12/08
WITH two days before the close of 2008, most of us are hoping, if not praying, for a better year ahead.
On the local front, what is very significant is the move to push for anti-corruption laws.
The recently passed anti-corruption bill has “teeth to bite” on relatives of those involved in corruption.
This is because under the existing Anti-Corruption Act, action could not be taken against them.
The definition of “relations” in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Bill covers more than just the immediate family members and spouses.
The new law can act against in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces who abetted in the corruption.
For far too long, we have allowed corruption to seep into society until it has almost become a norm.
Corruption is not only in the form of accepting bribes to waive punishment for offences committed; it is also about the degradation of our value system, from our religious beliefs to family values.
If we have turned a blind eye against corruption and accepted it as a fact of life or in the course of work, then we have failed.
The common fallacy is that we believe if there is no greasing of the palm, the work will not get done.
But what is the legacy we leave behind for our children when they see us trying to pass off a RM50 bill to escape a speeding ticket, or trying to talk our way out of a fine for wrongful parking?
Often, we are quick to blame the enforcement authorities for allegedly accepting bribes.
On the flip side, why is there a need for corruption to be part of our life in order to get things done.
The public in the end has to foot the bill for corruption.
There are several facets to corruption.
An architect friend said his professor once told a class of undergraduates that even before they went to the job sites, they had to make up their mind that they would not accept bribes.
But he was quick to add that many people assumed they would not take bribes until they saw the thick wad of notes.
A contractor said in the securing of a project, there were many occasions when he would have to meet up with intermediaries who wanted a cut from the project.
This would range from a government official who could arrange for quick land approval, to the brick supplier who would want to provide substandard bricks at a higher price.
In the end, the house would cost 30% more due to extra works to compensate for the poorer building materials.
Due to the corrupt practices, the house buyer would have to bear the cost.
Just as a house needs solid bricks to withstand the test of time and weather, a country needs leaders, civil servants and a private sector able to stand up to corruption.
We should not accept anything less.
Joseph Chin
The Star
31/12/08
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