By Prof Madya Dr Suhaimee Saahar @ Saabar
IN its efforts to develop a competitive nation driven by integrity, Malaysia has made considerable efforts to eradicate corruption which demands commitment and collaboration from all levels of society.
Recently, Malaysia’s score in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023, released by Transparency International (TI), has increased to 50 points from 47 points the previous year, indicating significant progress in the fight against corruption.
This indicates that the government’s and its people’s hard work and dedication in fighting corruption are starting to yield results.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s wishes to see the eradication of corruption, which has plagued the nation in the past, restored through the hard work of all parties is particularly emphasised by his unwavering stance against this culture of corruption.
The Madani Economy framework introduced by the Prime Minister is one of the strategic efforts to strengthen the foundation of the country’s economy through principles of justice, transparency, and integrity.
By setting a target to achieve the 25th position in the CPI within 10 years, Malaysia demonstrates a solid commitment to improving governance and enhancing trust among investors and the business community.
Its latest achievement in placing the country at the 57th out of 180 countries is concrete evidence that Malaysia is on the right track. Efforts to revitalise the economy can be continued, as shown through the country’s high foreign investment inflows just last year, which will aid in restoring investor confidence and the country’s currency.
A new dawn
The improvement in the CPI score not only reflects the government’s efforts but also indicates success in enhancing judicial independence, as seen in the prosecution and convictions in corruption and abuse of power cases that have enriched certain groups to the extent of controlling several sectors. This necessitates rigorous administrative reform efforts to ensure that these recovery initiatives will bring results in the near future.
These steps, along with the efforts of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney General, mark a new era in the fight against corruption in Malaysia, where there is no longer any privilege for ‘sharks’ or ‘small fry’.
Regardless of status or position, all individuals are subject to the same laws. This is a clear message that requires support from all parties, especially in ensuring that it will not jeopardise our children’s future due to our carelessness and greed in seizing the wealth and prosperity of our nation.
Therefore, it is essential to note that the fight against corruption is not only the government’s responsibility but also the entire Malaysian population, and the bottom-up approach, where every individual plays an active role in combating corruption, is crucial.
Awareness and education about the negative impacts of corruption should be instilled from an early age, ensuring that future generations grow with strong pillars based on the strength of integrity, principles, values, and resilience in combating wastage and power abuse.
Apart from that, cooperation between the private sector and the government in promoting good governance and transparency in all transactions is essential to create a healthy and corruption-free business ecosystem, which would not only strengthen the economy but also enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. This would give the fresh perspective that the government is heading in the right direction to ensure we can compete with our neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
In a broader context, the Madani concept outlines a vision for a nation that is economically advanced and rich in moral values and ethics.
Through this approach, Malaysia strives to restore and strengthen the fragile foundations weakened by corruption, hoping to build a more just, inclusive, and socially equitable society.
The Prime Minister’s call for these efforts to take root from the grassroots level is crucial to ensure that this strong foundation is grounded and based on clear and steadfast values of morality, ethics, integrity, and faith.
The willingness to confront the reality of corruption and move towards absolute transparency is a bold yet crucial step that all parties must drive at every level of society. By acknowledging the root causes and working together as one nation, Malaysia can easily overcome these obstacles without interference from those with their own interests.
This effort requires resilience, patience, and sustained commitment from all parties. The results will manifest, and a new dawn will surely emerge, illuminating society with the light of transparency and inclusive competitiveness.
At the same time, emphasis on education and awareness about corruption from an early age, strengthening judicial and legal institutions, and promoting a culture of integrity in both the public and private sectors are some steps for the issues to be addressed inclusively, progressively, and productively and ensure that anti-corruption efforts continue to progress.
In conclusion, the fight against corruption is a marathon, not a sprint. By continually implementing and strengthening the Madani concept, Malaysia is on the right path to creating a better and stronger society where integrity and justice are not just aspirations but realities.
We must remain optimistic and dedicated in this effort, as every small step towards transparency and justice is a victory for the entire nation.
*This is the personal opinion of the author/contributor and does not necessarily represent the views of Selangor Journal.
**Suhaimee Saahar @ Saabar is the Director of the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam.
