Sign on to strengthen fight against corruption
THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) initiative to introduce the corruption-free pledge should be supported by all as it would help ensure that every party who signs on would be more ethical and disciplined in carrying out their duties.
As the brainchild of the MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad himself, the pledge emphasises the oath voluntarily taken by an organisation’s leadership and members to hold each of them accountable and responsible and to deter them from engaging in any form of corruption and misconduct throughout their tenure.
As of July 14 this year, a total of 249 organisations have signed the pledge, namely government ministries (15); departments (96); state governments and their agencies (70); statutory bodies (29); universities (seven); private sector (eight); GLC, NGO and associations (22) and foundations (two).
According to the MACC, the openness and accountability displayed by the leadership and staff in signing the corruption-free pledge also shows that combating corruption is a collective responsibility of all members of society.
This corruption-free pledge should not only involve public servants but also workers in the private sector. As such, I hope more private corporations would come forward and voluntarily sign the pledge.
Among others, the corruption-free pledge serves as a warning and reminder to individuals to stay away from corruption and ensure that the organisation’s leadership, members, stakeholders and customers play their role to prevent corruption.
However, I believe that at the end of the day we must ensure that what has been pledged is put into practice in order to give it meaning, and help make it a reality by organising promotions and activities to create awareness about the ill effects of corruption.
Also, everyone must embrace the integrity culture from now on since corruption and abuse of power have increasingly become serious problems in recent years, especial- ly among errant civil servants and law enforcers.
Malaysia’s ranking in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) dropped to 55th spot last year compared to 54th in 2015.
To help improve our ranking, I believe everyone should embrace a culture of good moral values and integrity.
At the same time, our political leaders and captains of industry must set good examples and never abuse their power and positions for wealth.
The public and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must also do their part to fight corruption by lodging reports with the MACC if they have any information on corruption and abuse of power.
Early exposure to corruption offences and their negative impact must also be given to students. This is crucial since a recent survey on students’ perception of corruption carried out by the Integrity Institute of Malaysia (IIM) revealed 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 it was not an offence for them to take company-owned properties or items, including pen drives, printer ink or papers, for personal use.
He also said 37.3% of the respondents assumed that submitting claims for fully-sponsored outstation duties was not wrong.
It needs to be re-emphasised that the fight against corruption must be given the fullest support not only by the Government but also by all sectors 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.