One of Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman (Tun Dr Ismail), Deputy Prime Minister to Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, famous quotes reportedly was “Corruption is not a disease. It is a choice. And we must not normalize it as the price of development.”
He was credited as being instrumental in enacting this strict anti-corruption legislation, the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22, one of the many Emergency Ordinances passed under Article 150(2) of the Federal Constitution between the suspension of Parliament in 1969 and its reconvening in 1971, that was designed to combat corruption by granting extensive, accelerated powers to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA).
In his reflections recounted in discussions surrounding the book The Reluctant Politician: Tun Dr Ismail and His Time (published based on his papers and memoirs, with 1991 being a common reference year for such reflections), Tun Dr Ismail addressed the following regarding corruption:
- The Cause: He believed corruption stemmed from officials treating politics as an easy way to make money, knowing they might be removed in five-yearly elections, and thus acting corruptly while in power.
- The Solution: He advised that people should first establish themselves professionally and financially, similar to British politicians, rather than entering politics solely to seek fortune.
- Message to Youth: He strongly advised the youth not to enter politics until they were financially or professionally secure.
This perspective highlights his commitment to ethical leadership, contrasting with the political landscape he observed at the time.
He also reportedly remarked, during a closed-door UMNO session, “Kalau kita sayang bangsa Melayu, jangan manjakan mereka. Kuatkan mereka. Bukan sogokkan mereka dengan slogan.”
And in the same session, he reportedly told those present that “If UMNO becomes a vehicle for personal enrichment, the party will lose its soul, and the Malays will lose their future.”
To Tun Dr. Ismail, Merdeka was never just about flying a flag.
It was about institution building.
In his writings and private notes, he stressed repeatedly that true independence must include:
- Educational access for all Malaysians, especially Malays who had been systemically disadvantaged,
- Security and internal stability, without which economic progress was impossible,
- Diplomatic recognition, where Malaysia would be seen not as a former colony, but as a sovereign, respected player in world affairs.
That truly, is defending the bangsa.
You don’t have to shout, scream and threatened others to defend your race.
And we need 300 of Tun Dr Ismail if Malaysia is to rid itself of the disease called corruption and progress and develop as a modern nation where everyone can stand tall and does not need the slogan `Malaysia Boleh’ to epitomise that Malaysians have arrived.
If UMNO has 300 Tun Dr Ismail in their present leadership, the party would have the support of not only the Malays but many other Malaysians who concurred and agreed with his aspirations for the country that it evolve into a cohesive and developed nation.
Unfortunately, this is water under the bridge.
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