COMMENT To its credit the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) has come out again with some commendable recommendations to combat corruption.
However, Malaysians who suffer from the growing scourge of corruption, that we see destroying our beloved country, at all levels, ask whether these measures are rhetorical or realistic?
The measures are necessary, but are they sufficient? They appear only partially adequate. And certainly not comprehensive nor holistic enough!
A. Why do the new MACC measures appear to be mere rhetoric?
1. Creating awareness among students of the evils of corruption and the consequent urgent need to combat corruption is important. But, we ask, what about educating our many leaders and, particularly, politicians to resist and combat corruption?
It is they who must set the examples for integrity or be seriously penalised and punished?
How can we let powerful politicians off scot-free and focus on students instead?
Political leaders are mainly the ones who make the real decisions at federal, state and local council levels on the award of huge contracts in corrupt ways. The corrupt are not the engineering, or finance or kindergarten students at this time.
2. Why not also give orientation courses to all Members of Parliament, state assemblypersons and local councillors on the dangers of corruption? Why not the MACC show them the records of their wealth and assets before taking office and warn them that their conduct and wealth accumulation will be carefully monitored?
Any major changes to their wealth should be thoroughly scrutinised and brought to the notice of an Independent Commission or even made public. Those who can't prove that their new wealth is legitimate should be prosecuted, especially if there is evidence of suspected wrongdoing.
3. As is quite obvious to anyone, how long can the values of integrity taught by parents at home and teachers at school stand up to the raw power and greed that is shown and practised brazenly in the real world, outside the homes and classrooms?
























