Speak up for the rakyat

IF one reads the Hansard thoroughly, he or she would lose count of the number of times the phrase "a truly independent Anti-Corruption Agency" appears on record. At almost every session, there have been occasions to talk about corruption, corrupt practices, bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft, and embezzlement. Over the next few days, our MPs will be at it, again, but this time around, debating the Bill which will lead to what they all had been clamouring for – a truly independent Anti-Corruption Agency. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Bill which was tabled by the prime minister on Wednesday is modelled after the highly successful Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hongkong.

The rakyat expect public officials to perform their duties with honesty and in the best interests of the public. Corrupt conduct by a public official involves a breach of public trust and leads to inequality, wasted resources and wasted public money. Needless to say, the economic losses due to corruption are immeasurable. The government’s dogged persistence in setting up the commission demonstrates to the people of Malaysia and indeed the world that corruption both in the private and public sectors would be rooted out when it is discovered and at whatever cost. The setting up of this commission will not only silence critics and detractors, but will also pave the way for effective means of combating corruption, which has been the scourge of society for the past few decades. It will go far in changing the perception (perhaps misconception) that to do business in this country, bribes have to be paid.

But let’s not expect success overnight and to see big fish being hauled to court under the glare of television cameras and lights. As corruption is secretive in nature and is regarded as one of the most difficult crimes to investigate, the people should give the chief commissioner and his officers to use their newly-vested power to carry out their jobs to the best of their ability. The fight against corruption has wide ramifications including eliminating the culture of "paying to get things done". The mindset of the people must change too. After all, if there are no givers, there’ll be no takers.

The debate in the Dewan Rakyat over the next few days will reflect the mindsets of our lawmakers whom we elected. Their views and opinions will enable the rakyat to make an educated judgment of their values and what they stand for. And they must speak on behalf of the people instead of themselves, selected individuals and corporations.

The Sun
12/12/08

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