PETALING JAYA: The scourge of corruption is a universal problem and should not be drawn across racial lines, says MCA Syariah Law & Policy Implementation Special Task Force chairman Kevin Koo.
Below is his statement in full.
1. I write to comment on the recent statement of Datuk Seri Hadi Awang about non-Muslims and corruption. We just celebrated our Merdeka Day celebrations and will soon celebrate Hari Malaysia. In the spirit of nation-building, it seems timely to address this topic.
2. In my opinion his statement, "Hapuskan Pemberi Rasuah", published on Aug 20, in Harakah Daily, was his personal view and does not reflect the stand of the Islamic Party (PAS). However, Hadi Awang must be aware that he straddles a position of leadership within the Islamic Party and his views may be influential among his party members, as well as the wider Muslim population, here in Malaysia and abroad.
3. The exact words used by Hadi Awang in his article are: "Sehinggakan, dalam kalangan mereka itulah yang menguasai ekonomi negara lalu menggunakannya bagi merosakkan politik, urusan pentadbiran dan kehakiman. Malah, mereka juga golongan yang paling besar merosakkan politik dan ekonomi negara, majoritinya daripada kalangan bukan Islam dan bukan bumiputera." Translated, it means that those (who cause corruption) control the economy of the nation and use it to destroy politics, and matters of administration and judiciary. The following line means, they are the biggest cause of the collapse of politics and economy in the nation, a majority of which are non-Muslim and non-Bumiputra.
4. Corruption is an ancient scourge. Today's world recognises that corruption is not just bribery of government officials, but also extends to corporate settings, which may be shrouded in NDAs and confidentiality obligations. It is a universal problem which requires a holistic approach to address. The problem with Hadi Awang's statement is that it broadly paints non-Muslims as potential originators of corruption. This statement is too broad to constitute defamation in a court of law yet it can lead to unrest in society. As a leader, Hadi Awang should be more mindful of the effects of his statement. His statement is uncalled for.
5. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself addressed the topic of corruption, such as his hadith about bribes, in which he stated, Allah has cursed the person who gives the bribe, the one who receives the bribe, and the one who arranges the bribe. (Ref: Halal and Haram in Islam, Yusuf Qaradawi) It shows that corruption was a problem even as long ago as the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It also shows that the Holy Prophet recognised that there are three parties which are part of corruption.
6. Another hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is that a person who perceives a wrong or an injustice must correct it with his hands, but if not possible, then with his words, but if that in turn is not possible, then with his heart. (Ref: 40 Hadith of Nawawi, Hadith 34) Hadi Awang may be following the second limb of that hadith by voicing his view, but, his view needs to be broader. It is better for Hadi Awang to promote stamping out corruption through good virtues, and maintaining a clean administration.
7. As we move to celebrate this year's Hari Malaysia, we hope that Hadi Awang can see the bigger picture and address corruption universally, as part of a holistic approach that this country needs. We need to do it together as a nation. The responsibility of fighting corruption is rested not only on the shoulders of law enforcement but also on all of us as members of society. To blame anyone without providing the statistics to substantiate his claim is irresponsible. Corruption and crime in general affect all races and communities in Malaysia. We must fight against it together without a racial lens.
Kevin Koo
MCA Syariah Law & Policy Implementation Special Task Force chairman
MCA Putrajaya chairman
Advocate and solicitor
