Under the headlines, Higher income can be earned ‘the halal way', Transport Minister Anthony Loke reminded civil servants not to resort to corruption to get more money. This is indeed a wise advice that is in line with our nation’s effort to combat corruption. If we can curb and reduce corruption, our country will surely be attractive to all investors both local and foreign. This in turn will bring in revenue to our nation and enable all to enjoy better income and better life.
I feel that the problem with the majority is the lack of will to do what is right even though we know it. We rather choose an easy but corrupt way out. We cannot deny that corruption has been ingrained in many countries and Malaysia is not spared. Through the decades of our nation’s existence, many feel that giving or receiving ‘coffee money’ or ‘undercounter money’ is alright. People in positions of authority try to make extra bucks while people willingly give to pass their exams or get into favoured positions. We all know that the amount of bribery can be small or big. By giving in to this culture, we allow our conscience to be seared to the extent that doing wrong is acceptable because so many are doing it.
However, if we are really serious in being on the right path, I believe we can do it. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. They do this by collaborating with governments and businesses in shaping policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. A number of our Malaysian businesses have proven that adopting a zero tolerance approach towards bribery and corruption and going on the zero corruption trail pays even though they had to deal with many initial setbacks.
Before you brush this idea or advice aside, do ponder over what actually is bribery and corruption. Do our children take on bullying and extorting ‘payments or demands’ from others in schools so that they can have more to flaunt and spend? Are we as employees and businessmen filing in false tax declarations or claims from our companies? What about conveniently getting a medical leave just so that you can have a few extra days off? We may have been guilty of offences that we deem to be minor or insignificant but that is just the start of corruption. Let us choose to do it better. Let us be so determined that we want a better life for ALL and practice zero tolerance to bribery and corruption.
Together, we can shape Malaysia into an attractive place for investors to grow their businesses, a better environment for all our people to work in and a better life for all Malaysians, regardless of age, creed or colour.
Mei Wong 9 June 2023
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