Corruption is a cancer that must be rooted out quickly

THAT Malaysia’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2021 dropped to our worst level since 2012 – 62nd position out of 180 countries – is disappointing, to say the least.

And it’s especially so when we compare our standing with Singapore’s impressive fourth ranking. It is pertinent to note the causal link between low or negligible corruption levels and high economic standing.

The CPI is an independent, reliable and widely used indicator of corruption worldwide that measures perceptions of corruption in the public sector by credible experts and business executives.

Perhaps it is not surprising that corruption is likened to cancer as it has a decidedly negative or corrosive impact on a country’s public and civil organisations, society as a whole and, indeed, the entire nation.

For organisations, corruption is costly as it negatively affects growth, productivity and investment patterns as well effectiveness and efficiency. Hence, corruption presents significant risks to business.

For the wider economic system and society, corruption distorts competition that would emerge on a level playing field.

For the nation, corruption hinders social and economic growth and discourages foreign investors. Corruption also undermines the rule of law and erodes citizens’ confidence in public institutions. It undermines social trust and democratic processes.

In short, eliminating corruption is crucial to organisations, our society and national sustainability and progress.

Urgent structural reforms must include adopting international standards of integrity in government operations and reporting for transparency and good governance. Also required are urgent reforms of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to make it fully independent and have it report to Parliament.

SZE LOONG STEVE NGEOW

Kajang, Selangor