More action, less talk on graft

There is too much talk about problems relating to illegal immigrants. But it is all hot air unless the culture of bisa diatur (can be arranged) or ditanggung beres (consider it done) is dealt with and eliminated altogether. The two expressions, ironically Indonesian in origin, are often used these days to connote subtle hints of corruption.

Indeed corruption and lack of enforcement have been acknowledged as the main reasons behind the influx of illegal immigrants into the country. How else can you explain the sprouting of immigrant colonies right under the noses of the authorities?

Apart from two or three cases involving low-level figures a couple of years ago, there has never been any instance of officials being hauled up for corruption relating to illegal immigrants. But there is plenty of talk alleging malpractice -- by the officers manning the border outposts, authorising the intake of foreign workers and enforcing municipal laws, and by the kampong head of a seaside village which is used as a landing point, etc.

Corruption must be weeded out. There is already a long litany of laws to deal with the illegal immigrant problem -- the Immigration Act, Internal Security Act, Public Order (Preservation) Act and Police Act, among others. But without strict enforcement, such laws will serve only to empower the corrupt.

-- New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur