Comment on Fighting Corruption is a Necessity by Abnizar

October 4, 2014

by HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah@www.nst.com.my

The country cannot be in a state of denial over present realities. This is a big challenge for the nation. It is not a temporary sore throat that can be cured with Strepsils. It is a serious social disease, needing intensive treatment from societys doctors and surgeons, and a formula for a cure from pharmacies with the ability to dispense comprehensive and holistic social policies.--HRH Sultan of Perak

IT is clear that corruption exists in every system of government and in every country. Kautilya, when producing the Arthashastra, identified 40 methods of misusing money committed by public officials for personal gain.

Kautilya noted: Just as it is impossible not to taste honey or the poison that finds itself at the tip of the tongue, so it is impossible for a government servant not to eat up, at least, a bit of the kings revenue. Just as a fish underwater cannot possibly be found out either as drinking or not drinking the water, so government work cannot be found out (while) taking money (for themselves).

Transparency International, in its mission statement, states: (corruption) undermines good governance, fundamentally distorts public policy, leads to the misallocation of resources, and particularly, hurts the poor. Controlling it is only possible with the cooperation of a wide range of stakeholders in the integrity system, including, most importantly, the state, civil society and the private sector.

Corruption is often the key issue in the downfall of a leader to be replaced by another. Every leader who has been given the trust to lead pledges to fight corruption. New laws are drafted, existing laws are amended, various agencies are formed, promises are made and hope is given. But if the laws status is only as a written document and not enforced, it is unlikely to be an effective weapon for victory on the battlefield against corruption. The various agencies established will not form a war brigade, which could fly the flag of victory, if the fight against corruption is done selectively.

Among Asian countries, the Philippines has the most anti-corruption instruments, with seven laws and 19 enforcement agencies. President Ferdinand Marcos introduced five new Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) during his 21-year reign (1965-1986), but they were only decorative cosmetics for protecting an ugly face.

The Filipino land and sky were overcast by a shroud of corruption. Corrupt practices peaked during Marcos era, breeding rampant cronyism, where relatives and close friends were appointed to head the various agencies, with each accumulating more personal wealth.

Speaking at the opening of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Enforcement Agencies Conference on Oct 4, 2012, the Prime Minister stressed the will and the effort of the government of Malaysia to eradicate corruption.

Read this article:
Comment on Fighting Corruption is a Necessity by Abnizar