Are you familiar with the parable of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? That was an interesting story by Hans Christian Andersen, more than a century ago. If you have not heard of this story, then do have a read at this classic. It shows us the innocence of a child and the fear of speaking the truth even in critical situations.
When I read about the developments in our beautiful nation about corruption at various levels of society, I feel very sad. We all know that corruption destroys a man, a family, a community, a society and ultimately, a nation. The fact is that we are indeed a blessed nation that is unlike many nations. We are the envy of many around us. We have many natural resources, great beaches, a fantastic array of great food and great talents.
However, many incidences have marred our beautiful Malaysia. I am sure many Malaysians still remember the cases of corruption that have remained unsolved through the years. We, Malaysians will not forget the greatest scandal of all times – the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, the many cases that have been labelled NFA (No Further Action) or high-profile cases that have been given DNAA (Discharge Not Amounting Ton Acquittal).
Recently Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman also highlighted that 19 cases involving 12 politicians were granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in the High Court and lower courts nationwide between 2010 and July this year.
A few high profile financial and political scandals like Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) and FELDA Debacles, the 2020 ‘Sheraton Move’ political coup have remained unsolved. The Altantuya Shaariibuu murder in 2006 and the Teoh Beng Hock case in 2009 have yet to come to a closure for the families. Then there was the Double Six Tragedy in 1976 that killed state Chief Minister Fuad Stephens and several state ministers in Sabah, and the mysterious disappearance of MH370 (Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370), which still remains as aviation's greatest unsolved mystery.
During a recent dialogue session, a university student leader confronted former health minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, as well as both the Selangor and Johore Menteri Besar on the issue of corruption, namely the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) as well as the Tabung Haji scandals. She described the public donations to a leader tied to a global financial scandal like 1MDB as "one of the most foolish things I've seen in my entire life".
With so many high-profile cases hanging in the air, it is not surprising that ordinary Malaysians who have been burdened by results of all these scandals and injustice have asked if common sense has been thrown out the windows. Or if true justice for all, regardless of colour, creed or status, can be restored to its fullest in our nation again?
Well, I believe we need to be like the innocent child in Hans Andersen’s story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. We need to be very honest and fearless in addressing the blatant issues of corruption and injustice that continue to plague our land. We do not need more “Yes” men who merely serve for their personal gains.
May God bless Malaysia with multitudes of honest and bold leaders from every people group in our land to move our nation in the right direction.
Mei Wong (mwrejoice@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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