PUTRAJAYA: Do not glorify individuals involved in corruption as it undermines the nation’s moral fabric and normalises destructive practices, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country must move away from “morally decaying systems” and a culture that treats corrupt behaviour as ordinary or even admirable.
“In this Madani government, we do not discard everything old.
“There are traditions worth keeping. But the desire for change must be there, especially to abandon systems that are broken and practices that sometimes glorify the wrong people,” he said during his keynote speech when launching the International Anti-Corruption Day here yesterday.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said corruption has, for too long, become normalised in the society, contributing to a troubling trend and also appearing to be acceptable among certain parties.
“Some say, ‘A person with power who does not take bribes is foolish.’ This shows how damaged our culture has become.
“Today, we see some who glorify those giving bribes.
“We criticise the ones who accept it but the giver is treated like a hero or a fighter.
“How can a country operate like that? It destroys our values and culture,” he said.
Anwar said the government machinery, including the Chief Secretary to the Government and all government agencies, must cultivate a culture of integrity at every level.
Highlighting current efforts, Anwar said the government has made it a priority to fully support enforcement bodies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara, the police and Customs Department.
“When we empower these agencies and coordinate their efforts, they can act firmly.
“In the past two years, we have saved RM15.5bil. Think about where that money would have gone if we hadn’t acted? Into the pockets of thieves,” he added.
The Prime Minister also said that those working in his office are not exempted and wrongdoing must be reported to authorities to preserve the integrity of public institutions.
“If there is a case (among civil servants) and if coincidentally, they are our personnel, it should also be reported.
“The enforcement agencies should be prepared to take action to ensure the country remains protected (against corruption),” he said.
“I will not protect them. I will inform (MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri) Azam Baki and even those serving at the MACC, Chief Secretary to the Government’s office or Attorney-General’s office, so that we can preserve the country with integrity,” he added.
