Timely for MACC to encourage university students to practise 3J — MCPF

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission’s ( MACC) effort to encourage university students to practise the three principles of 3J (Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle) is timely as studies show that some of them still do not understand what corruption is, how it can occur and its negative consequences on the nation.

Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation ( MCPF) senior vice president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye pointed out that a study conducted by MACC on 1,000 university students last year found that 16 per cent were willing to accept a bribe and 18.5 per cent would accept a bribe if they did not have to face any action.

He said early exposure on corruption offences and its negative impact must be instilled among students.

This is crucial since a recent survey on Students’ Perception of Corruption carried out by the Integrity Institute of Malaysia ( IIM) reveals that one in every three local university students thinks that receiving a present in the form of money, goods or service in return for services rendered is not corruption.

IIM president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff was quoted as saying that 28.1% of the respondents also thought that it was not an offence for them to take company- owned properties or items, including pendrives, printer ink or papers for personal use.

He also said 37.3% of the respondents assumed that submitting claims for fullysponsored outstation duties was not wrong.

Lee re- emphasised that the fight against corruption must be given the fullest support by all sectors of society, including educational institutions

Good values ?? and integrity should be instilled among the younger generation while they are still at school.

It can help develop a culture of honesty and trust and become a way of life for our future leaders.

Early exposure on corruption offences and its negative impact must also be instilled among students. It should be included in the school syllabus such as the Islamic Education and Moral Education subjects, he stressed.

“If necessary, we should introduce a new curriculum in schools to allow students to learn about the negative effects of corruption and why it is unacceptable.

“We should not tolerate corruption and allow it to become a way of life in our society. We must do our utmost to establish an anti- corruption culture and promote integrity at all levels of society.

“We cannot be unconcerned and complacent about corruption because it attacks not only the economic and social fabric of society but also the moral foundations of order,” he said.

The MACC on Saturday held a programme to combat corruption and power abuse at University Malaysia Sabah and broached on the need for university students to practise the three principles of 3J (Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle).