We must play our part to help MACC fight graft

I HAVE to give credit to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad for his bold remarks. It was music to my ears as a former chairman of the MACC Panel on Prevention of Corruption.

But having stressed his courage and conviction to “rid graft in the country”, I hope all parties — the government, political leaders and the people — will back MACC to fight corruption.

There are major issues that Dzulkifli will be up against:

declaration of graft as the nation’s No. 1 enemy is right and proper, and will be most welcome by all, except the corrupt and the would-be corrupt. The government should call corruption one of the country’s biggest national enemies, along with racism and religious bigotry;

will be radical changes and the war will extend to trafficking, illegal gambling, environmental issues and lax border security; the wrong way. But what about the horses that have bolted out of the stable?

They should not be allowed to contest because we will be voting for corrupt leaders.

Also his proposal for candidates to undergo a background screening for corruption is welcome;

hate corruption but many dare not report for fear of reprisals;

the need for 1,000 MACC officers to play the role of creating awareness and another 1,000 officers to deal with administration matters, we should get everyone involved to fight corruption;

should invite and even reward the public for information on corruption.

This could be encouraged from the 1.6 million civil servants and business people.

I hope Dzulkifly is allowed to serve his full term and beyond to make our dream of wiping out corruption come true.

This may be our last chance to get out of the corruption trap.

I hope the government takes MACC’s advice seriously and commits itself before and after the 14th General Election to defeat this threat to our national sustainability and survival.

TAN SRI RAMON NAVARATNAM, Chairman, Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies