Let there be no let-up in graft war
IT was with much optimism in the fight against corruption that the trajectory was set in 2009 with the newly-crafted Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission Act. It was unveiled by the then Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi.
Intentions were good especially with the appointment of key public figures to five independent oversight bodies to monitor and provide advice to the anti-corruption agency.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) replaced the then existing Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) which had its fair share of criticisms.
So where are we as a nation in this fight against corruption? It is saddening to hear comments that the fight “seems to have been flatlining”. This trend is based on international reports.
The MACC since its inception in 2009 has had some tumultuous times. The death of two persons on their premises raised eyebrows. A Royal Commission was constituted. At the height of investigations into possible corrupt activities of a cor- porate figure, a senior MACC investigation officer was redeployed. Facing public indignation, the transfer orders were speedily rescinded.
Just about a year ago, the top three officers at the MACC moved along. The chief commissioner had asked to be redeployed into academia.
Of the remaining two, one retired as per the retirement age criteria and the other was redeployed to head another enforcement agency. A new chief commissioner and two deputy commissioners were subsequently appointed.
Have these events contributed to the “flatlining” as opined by Bertrand De Speville at a recent roundtable event? Did the MACC have to back trot?
De Speville is a former chief graft buster from Hong Kong’s Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) which has had much success in combating corruption. The current MACC operating model with oversight bodies is based largely on the Hong Kong model.
It was commented that the fight against corruption “hides an uncomfortable reality”. The “reality” is that while the fight against corruption started in 1987, which is about half the number of years since independence, the outcome has been flat.
His observation was that although there is political will, law and strategy in place, there are doubts in implementing policies.
This is where we have to shed tears for the nation. To the corrupt, both givers and receivers, it has become “a way of life”.
With much to offer, we have lost so much. Corruption investigations have encompassed chief ministers, a state executive councillor, City Hall, federal level ministries, government-linked companies, enforcement personnel and those in uniform. This is a worrisome trend as it appears to be pervasive.
The corporate sector when dealing with the public services sector has fed this insatiable appetite for corruption and has to share the blame for such degradation in human values. Religious values have taken a back seat to secular, unashamed manifestations of wealth.
Perhaps a reassessment is in order. The Advisory Board, the oversight committees and the chief commissioner need to roll up their sleeves and get to work or else, heaven forbid, we will not only “flatline” but also commence our perilous journey down south in the corruption indices.
The corrupt have adopted the “catch me if you can” attitude when faced with ultimatums like “we know who you are and we will get you”. This brazenness reflects weaknesses in the system of convicting the corrupt.
Dramatic, much publicised, high-profile arrests are not the answer when there is the niggling doubt that all these measures are not reducing the incidence of corruption as reflected in global indices. This will lead to the downfall of any nation and drag its citizens with it.
Convictions and custodial sentences, pursuant to due judicial process, meted out in the shortest possible time after being charged are what will be most evident of progress. Special courts for corruption cases have been set up and judges upskilled. Perhaps the pace can be stepped up.
This war against corruption commenced in 1987 and hence is not a new initiative. Some 30 years ago, North Korea was not a nuclear power yet its trajectory, especially over the past decade, has put it on the forefront of inter-continental nuclear missile launches.
It may be an unfair comparison as one is a physical science based on mathematical prowess while the other is a social science dealing with perceptions. One thing, however, is clear. If there is a will, a way will be found. It all depends on one’s hunger and tenacity.
The question at the forefront is: “Does Malaysia have the tenacity to realign its trajectory?” It would be a wonderful National Day present for the nation.