PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is looking to introduce anti-corruption elements at the preschool level as part of efforts to nurture a generation that rejects graft from an early age.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said discussions are already under way with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and Universiti Utara Malaysia on how such content could be developed and incorporated.
"I have discussed the matter with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and Universiti Utara Malaysia, and we have agreed to bring it forward to the Education Ministry for consideration at the preschool level in a simplified form.
"The idea is to instil in children, from a very young age, the understanding that corruption is wrong," he told reporters during a special session with the media at Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters on Thursday (Aug 21).
Azam said the proposed material would be tailored to preschoolers, using formats such as comics and digital media to make it engaging and age-appropriate.
He noted that while embedding anti-corruption education in schools was not a major issue, challenges arise once students leave the education system.
"In 2003, we conducted a survey at a local university involving undergraduates as respondents. Shockingly, about 30% of them said they would be willing to accept bribes if given the chance.
"This was a major concern for the MACC’s top management at the time, as these students represent the country’s future leaders," he said.
