Start them young in battle against corruption

DURING the recent virtual MIA 2021 conference, I posted a question to the panel on providing education on prevention of corruption at primary school level right up to the university level.

To my surprise, many supported my view. The next day, someone posted a similar question suggesting that these corrupt practices are embedded in society’s culture, therefore awareness has to be instilled in the young through education if we want the change.

Hence, I think it is vital to address my inner calling on this issue.

Last year, Malaysia ranked 57th in the corruption perception index, behind Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, which ranked third and 35th, respectively.

Although this move may not produce an instant effect, we should think of the sustainability effect on the nation.

Corruption is commonly referred to as abuse of power for personal gain. Its effects harm the country. The government has done well in imposing rules, legislations and regulations in the fight against corruption.

Nevertheless, combating corruption is more than just the prosecution of guilty parties and a breakdown of criminal faults.

Preventive measure is particularly crucial because corruption has become a social epidemic that infects the work and political environment. Any move to eradicate corruption will not be successful in the long term if the approach does not reach every facet of the community.

In getting those far and broad audiences, education is a strategic medium to develop the anti-corruption stance. It is the only possible route available to provide awareness to the various levels of the generation.

The kids today will soon replace the current generation and become future leaders who hold positions in the public and private sectors.

The mentality of corruption can be linked to society’s culture. This issue is at a critical point when it is accepted in society as a norm, contrary to religious or legal means. Anti-corruption education shall be conducted at all educational institutions, from primary to tertiary levels.

These institutions play an important role as a repair workshop of national morality. The goal is to establish a young generation with good and non-corruptive values early on.

The fundamental morals such as honesty, fairness, kindness, responsibility, hard work, courage and selfdiscipline must be taught in kindergartens and primary schools. For sure, these values cannot be instilled via the examination focus.

When the kids move to higher levels, anti-corruption education should be discussed as an illustration or description in cases and problems in conferences or other events.

Anti-corruption education should be incorporated into subjects such as religion, morals, history, civic education, political science, ethics and psychology.

To implement anti-corruption education, all parties must cooperate. Teachers and parents are comparative examples of anti-corruption values and moral awareness.

In this regard, we hope that the Education Ministry thinks along this line to introduce anti-corruption education to develop a sustainable and progressive nation.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR NOR FARIZAL MOHAMMED

Accounting Research Institute, Universiti Teknologi Mara