KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revelation that 3,630 civil servants and employees of private firms and government-linked companies have been investigated or taken action against for corruption-related offences over the past five years is “frankly appalling”, says social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said the scale of wrongdoing reflected a worrying pattern that “goes beyond a few bad apples”.
"Is this becoming endemic?.
“This isn’t just about isolated cases. It points to a systemic issue that erodes the very foundation of public trust," he said when contacted Wednesday (Nov 19).
Lee said misconduct involving bribery, abuse of power, false claims and money laundering among individuals entrusted with authority had deeply damaged Malaysians’ confidence in public institutions.
"When those in positions of power engage in such offences, it undermines the faith citizens have in them. We cannot just shrug this off. It demands a serious, comprehensive response from the higher ups,” he said.
He described the number of cases as “deeply disturbing”, noting that every instance represented “a betrayal of public trust, a dent in the nation’s reputation, and a potential obstacle to economic and social progress”.
"Every bribe taken and every false claim made contributes to a climate of cynicism and distrust.
"Such corruption distorts markets, discourages investment and undermines the rule of law," he lamented.
Lee warned that unethical practices create an uneven playing field where honest businesses struggle while corrupt practices prosper, ultimately stifling innovation and economic advancement.
Calling the situation a “wake-up call”, he urged the government, agencies and corporations to address corruption at its roots by strengthening institutions and improving transparency and accountability.
He proposed that mandatory ethics training be introduced for all civil servants and corporate employees, focusing on real-life corruption risks.
He also emphasised the need to build a culture of accountability grounded in ethical behaviour and good governance, rather than performance alone.
“Strict penalties must be enforced regardless of rank or influence to show that accountability applies to all,” he said.
