CORRUPTION-Corporation to bankrupt the nation

Corruption is the abuse of power for private gain. Its damaging a nation because decisions are taken not for public interest. Corruption undermined good governance, fundamentally distorts public policy, misallocation of resources and obviously hurts the poor.

When Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi become PM on 31 October 2003, he pledged to eradicate corruption and good governance. Since assuming office, PM has launched National Integrity Plan and Integrity institute of Malaysia as new measure to combat corruption.

No matter how we study corruption, real or perception, no body is telling you for sure. That is why is it called corruption – it is “under the counter” and opaque. But then some years back, I read about this concept known as the “geography of corruption”. It is simple according to this guy. There is a landscape of corruption that most of us can quite easily differentiate. If you see a building that is not supposed to be there but it is there, it is corruption. If you see a project where the cost has escalated beyond reason, it is corruption and not mere incompetence or lack of monitoring. If you see extreme luxurious living, it is corruption because those who build their wealth in the hard way will certainly learn to appreciate it more. If you see uncollected rubbish, clogged drain and filthy rivers and housing estates, it is corruption because someone is getting paid without doing the job. If you see an exorbitant toll increase, it is corruption because I have not seen the price of a product or service rendered by a monopoly increased by 60% without an explanation or justification. So my dears friends, there is no need for Transparency International or other indices. I know it, I can smell it, and I can feel it.

“Integrity is one of several paths; its distinguish itself from the others because it is the right path, and the only upon will you will never get lost.” M. H. McKee

Judiciary Corruption