MACC launches 3J campaign, aiming to nip graft in the bud

In order to curtail corruption from taking further root in the country, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched a campaign to raise awareness among Malaysians on the issue.

The commission's new 3J campaign, which also aims to convince Malaysians to shun corrupt practices, was launched on Monday at an event in Menara Star.

The month-long awareness campaign has received a pledge of support from Star Media Group, among other media organisations.

Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said that The Star, as a partner in the campaign, would be focusing on youth.

"The reason why The Star, as part of this campaign, has chosen to focus on youth is because we feel that they will be the most crucial group," said Wong, who officiated the event.

Wong warned of the dangers of a generation lacking in integrity, referring to a corruption prevention effectiveness study conducted by the MACC that found that 16% of students in institutions of higher learning were willing to take a bribe.

"The lack of integrity, which is driven by the lure of taking shortcuts and bending the rules, greatly contributed to the increase in the willingness to accept bribes.

"Integrity begins from home. The fruits of honesty, truthfulness and accountability can only be reaped if they are cultivated since young," he said.

As part of the campaign, Wong said that The Star would use its various platforms to get the MACC's message across to Malaysians.

"It is an uphill battle; neither quick nor easy. A fight against odds and powerful forces is always a tough one," he said.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad (pic above), who also officiated at the launch, expressed his hope that Malaysians would come together under the 3J campaign in the fight against corruption.

"Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle" (Don't Give and Don't Settle), Dzulkifli explained, were the three Js and the main message of the campaign.

"The words hulur, kawtim and settle are synonymous with corruption and we use these common and familiar terms so that the people are fully aware of our objectives.

"We hope that this will pave the way for the people to say no to corruption, and create a society that would have the courage to stand up and fight not only against corruption but also the corruptors," he said.

He added that he wanted to see Malaysians taking a more active role in combating corruption rather than remaining passive on the sidelines.

"We the people must collectively do something together to nip all forms of corruption at its very core.

"The 3J campaign has been launched to spread this very message," he said.

In closing, Dzulkifli praised the media for its role in playing an important role in exposing corruption.

"The campaign is a testament to the fact that this cancer of corruption can be defeated with the concerted efforts of our people," he said.