We can make big waves in battle against money politics
WE, members of G25, are heartened to see the rising tide of citizen initiatives to make Malaysians aware of corruption.
This social evil is entrenched in society and poses a threat to our democracy and the economy.
We applaud the launch of the Anti-Corruption Revolution Movement and the 3J (Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle, or Don’t Give, Don’t Agree and Don’t Settle) campaign to educate the public on the importance of integrity and honesty.
The involvement of new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad in these campaigns and his brave statements have set a sense of urgency and purpose in going after the corrupt.
These developments have contributed to raise public confidence in the fight against corruption.
It must also be addressed at the political level to ensure free and fair elections so that those elected to represent us in Parliament and state legislative assemblies are individuals of good character, free from unethical practices that make them hostage to corruption when they hold office and positions of power.
There should be a process in every political party to ensure that election candidates meet the criteria for honesty and integrity before submitting their names for elections.
As money politics is the source of high-level corruption, it is hoped that the recommendations of the technical committee set up by the government to review the law on financing of elections, together with the proposals by G25 and the coalition of 70 non-governmental organisations, will be enacted into legislation to lessen the pressure on business contributions and ensure fair elections.
When politicians indulge in money politics to win the elections, they get sucked into a web of intrigue and deceit.
Consequently, the country suffers from a bad reputation with regard to good governance, as seen in our unfavourable ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index.
Time is of the essence as elections are anticipated to be held soon, and these proposals must be implemented in a substantive and comprehensive manner.
Recently, the Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism launched its e-platform to enable people to be the ears and eyes of MACC in reporting those they suspect are living beyond their means.
Citizen participation will help MACC investigate more cases, especially involving those in positions of power.
It is essential that civil servants who make reports against their superiors are protected from harassment.
The Whistleblowers Act 2010 should not merely exist as window dressing.
It is imperative that it be reviewed as soon as possible to remove the restrictions to the kind of information that whistleblowers are allowed to disclose and to whom they can disclose.