M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Corruption is a national threat, and Government officials and department heads are closing an eye on catching thieves in the government service.
“How could the many bosses at the Customs Department have overlooked such a large number of suspected kleptocrats?”
The New Straits Times (5th April 2024) leader (editorial) questioned this, especially since it happened for about eight years.
How many more corruption cases are being covered by the government? How many bosses are afraid to discipline staff because the staff will spill the beans on the boss's corruption?
“Corrupt activities such as this aren't easily hidden from the eyes of the higher-ups. Firstly, it involved a cross-section of officers, ranging from the rank of assistant enforcement officer to as high as assistant director.
“Secondly, it involved not one but several contraband products — chewing tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, health products and car spare parts.
“Thirdly, there were forwarding agents acting as intermediaries facilitating payments from the syndicates to the officers,” the leader pointed out.
All in all, the 34 Customs officers allegedly received RM4.7 million. Such elaborate operations could not have gone on this long without raising a red flag. Willing or unwilling slumber at heads of department level is shameful and unforgivable.
“They are causing the government to bleed billions, compelling it to resort to other sources of tax revenue to finance its budget. There should be no place for corrupt officers in the Customs Department or in any enforcement agencies.
“We are glad that the MACC didn't just stop at arresting only the 34 officers but went on to arrest 27 people and business owners. Graft equals givers and takers.
“Ending the scourge involves solving both sides of the equation. Givers and takers must be punished severely. If we understand the MACC correctly, the 27 people and business owners allegedly involved in the smuggling are being investigated under Section 17A of the MACC Act. This amendment introduced corporate liability for graft.
“The section spells out a hefty penalty: a fine of 10 times the value of the bribe or RM1 million, whichever is higher, and/or 20 years in prison,” the NST leader added.
Corruption erodes trust in government and undermines the social contract. This is cause for concern across the globe, but particularly in contexts of fragility and violence, as corruption fuels and perpetuates the inequalities and discontent that lead to fragility, violent extremism, and conflict.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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