In a recent report, Pasir Gudang MP commented that “Exposing corruption is SPM, the police and the Immigration department’s work under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Not the job of the tourism minister.” I asked myself, “Really? If that is true, then that is the real problem.”
So, I am glad to read of netizens who sounded out their disagreement loud and clear. Kudos to all of you. Fighting corruption is everyone’s job. The citizen, every one of us, is the eye and ear of our government authorities. We see, we hear and we take the responsible action of reporting to the appropriate authorities. The ministers who are responsible for their respective departments have their parts to do. They have to be in the know of all that is happening in their departments. When they hear of irregularities, we, the rakyat, expect them to take quick action to address every problem. We expect them to act without fear of favour so that their respective departments function efficiently. Unless all of our leaders act with integrity and justice, malpractices and corruption will fester. Today, we see the result of more than 60 years of a lack of integrity which has landed us in a massive problem of huge financial debts, a growing number of ‘Little Napoleons’ in various departments and immaturity in thoughts.
We all know that fighting corruption is not easy. We hear of how many business people have to reluctantly pay authorities at regular intervals just so that they can do honest business, earn a living, put food on their tables and provide for their families. These honest people are desperate to live peaceable lives, but unfortunately, they find themselves in such situations. For corruption to happen, there must be a taker and a giver. Can we be set free?
The effort to fight corruption has to begin somewhere. I am sure the rakyat is happy that our Prime Minister is firm on fighting corruption. However, all of us need to play our part to reduce corruption. Parents have to educate and guide their children from a young age so that they grow up to be righteous and responsible citizens. Our education system must enforce the importance of the right ethics. Young working adults must adopt good work ethics and be responsible employees. Our older generation, who is supposed to be more experienced and wiser, must take opportunities to instil truth and patriotism in the younger generations by sharing with them how our nation was birthed. And those who are elected to positions of authority in every ministry must work together so that the culture of ‘Little Napoleons’ and corruption will be addressed.
So, can we agree that fighting corruption is every citizen's job?
God bless Malaysia!
Mei Wong 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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