Corruption is colour blind and affects all

IN this patriotic month when we commemorate Malaysia gaining independence from colonisation, it is both sad and shameful to hear the baseless and provocative comments on eradicating corruption attributed to PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

He is quoted widely in the national media as claiming that non-Muslims and non-bumiputras are the root of corruption and the cause of most corruption in the country; that only the Muslim faithful have integrity.

Transparency International Malaysia (TIM) is appalled and embarrassed by this statement. We seek to know the sources and data behind his claim.

His words smack of a narrow, myopic view of corruption and provoke feelings which are in direct antithesis to the Prime Minister’s concept of the Malaysian Family. Such comments made in a multiracial, multiethnic and multifaith democracy are deplorable. The parties making such misrepresentations must be held accountable by the relevant authorities.

TIM calls upon all Malaysians and our elected officials to practice an evidence-based approach towards understanding and fighting corruption, and to avoid making sweeping statements.

Corruption is colour blind – it affects us all.

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL MALAYSIA

Transparency International is a global movement working in over 100 countries to end the injustice of corruption. The Malaysian chapter was founded in 1998.