Probity above politics<\/p>\n
Corruption, if left unchecked, can destroy the foundations of
\nsociety. It undermines governments, particularly those that have
\nto periodically renew their mandates before the people.<\/p>\n
It is therefore naive for anyone, even the Opposition, to
\ndoubt the government's seriousness in fighting graft. As Prime
\nMinister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has emphasized, the
\nanti-corruption drive is no election gimmick. Integrity in the
\npublic and private sectors is too important to the well-being of
\nthe nation to be used politically during elections, and then
\nquietly forgotten. This will not happen.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister has asserted that the fight against
\ncorruption will be a continuous and relentless effort and,
\nelections or not, the current crackdown against offenders will
\ncontinue. Although Abdullah's vigorous campaign has won
\nwidespread praise and support, he has described it as a \"logical
\nprocess\" in the government's endeavor to meet the people's needs
\nand expectations. If palms need to be greased to get things done,
\nit is the ordinary folk who ultimately pay the price and bear the
\nconsequences of declining moral values.<\/p>\n
However, Malaysia is also a country that upholds the rule of
\nlaw. The Anti-Corruption Agency has to undertake thorough
\ninvestigations and gather enough evidence to secure a conviction
\nfor anyone brought to court on corruption charges. Acting in
\nhaste will not do. There are reportedly 18 more high-profile
\ncases under investigation. The public will have to wait for the
\nlaw to take its course.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, corruption is not confined to civil servants or
\npoliticians. The private sector is just as guilty. The Prime
\nMinister has rightly condemned corruption in corporations as
\nbeing as abominable as that in government. In his speech at the
\nKuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Corporate Awards 2003, delivered by
\nSecond Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, the Prime
\nMinister called on the private sector to play its part in
\nfighting graft and ensuring good corporate governance. Every one
\nof us, in whatever way we can, must make corruption our enemy. We
\ncannot afford to lose this fight.<\/p>\n
-- New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/probity-above-politics-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }