Abdullah found wanting
by K George
Aliran Monthly Vol 25 (2005): Issue 3
Not withstanding Abdullah's commitment and promises, the incidence of corruption and bribery, favoritism and nepotism has increased unabated: K George
The Director General of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) told the press on 27 May 2004 that he had submitted the report concerning the 18 high-profile cases of corruption to the Attorney General and that the latter was expected to proceed with the prosecution of the individuals soon. To a question by one of the reporters whether any Menteri Besar and Chief Minister was involved, the ACA Chief's reply was: "I do not want to sensationalize the issue".
People may recall Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi informing the nation way back in February last year that Eric Chia, the Mahathir-appointed ex-Perwaja boss, and Kasitah Gaddam, a senator who was appointed as Cabinet Minister, were charged for corruption. The news came as a shock. Many people came to the inevitable conclusion that Abdullah was serious and determined to fulfil his commitment to eliminate corruption in Malaysia. Taking the cue, Rais Yatim, the then Minister of Law in the PM's Department, issued a press statement that the ACA was investigating18 high-profile cases of corruption.
The fifth Prime Minister achieved what perhaps he did not dream of. He obtained a massive mandate in the 21 March 2004 general election, outdoing all his predecessors. Of course, this was possible because the so-called independent Election Commission according to many behaved like a poodle. Election laws and rules were blatantly violated with impunity. Election ethics were thrown overboard and the opposition was subjected to numerous restrictions and frustrations. Abdullah now rules with a cabinet consisting of 92 members - all of them Datos.
Not withstanding Abdullah's commitment and promises, the incidence of corruption and bribery, favoritism and nepotism has increased unabated. Strangely, transparency, accountability and open tenders continue to be irrelevant even after Mahathir's era, signalling that nothing has changed.
Anwar Ibrahim, who until two months ago was of the opinion that Abdullah could be depended up on to fighting corruption, has since changed his view. Unfortunately Malaysia appears to be far more corrupt since 'Mr. Clean' took over as prime minister. "The level of corruption is pervasive, it is much hidden. It is sophisticated," Anwar was reported as saying.
Anwar went on to say that his sources in the government told him about corruption involving land deals, procurement of military equipment, defence contracts and negotiated tenders and contracts. Abdullah was quite successful in projecting an image of "Mr. Clean" and may not even be personally corrupt, Anwar concedes. But he added, "I don't think he (the PM) was extremely careful in terms of involvement of family members and close associates."
What does Transparency International, which draws on 17 surveys of opinions of business people and country analysts, say: "Corruption in Malaysia did increase in 2004 compared with the situation in 2003."
Why the AG still sits on ACA's reports
From the above analysis, it is clear that Abdullah has been found wanting in handling instances of corruption and scandal, which have become a daily occurrence. Those wishing to know the details of corruption and scandal should visit the websites of MGG Pillai, Malaysiakini, Malaysia Today etc. and by subscribing to publications such as Harakah, Aliran Monthly, Seruan Keadilan and the Rocket among others.
The Yang Di Pertuan Agong issued a royal command on his last birthday instructing that all cases of corruption must be prosecuted, irrespective of who the culprits are. Why then is the AG still sitting on the ACA report in respect of the 18 high-profile cases, which were submitted in May last year? What are the AG's views with regard to allegations published in the websites of MGG Pillai and Malaysia Today apparently naming the Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife as being among the 18 under investigation? He should either confirm this or deny it as their reputations are at stake.
The previous AG is on record for failing to prosecute Rafidah Aziz, Daim Zainuddin and Rahim Tamby Chik inspite of police reports lodged against them. It happened during the Mahathir era. But people are still talking about it. To restore the dignity of your Chambers, I plead with you to please proceed with the prosecution of the 18 culprits. You could then be complying with the royal command without wasting any more time.
Assessment by TI and Anwar: Is it valid?
Out of sheer curiosity, I embarked on research to enable me to assess the actual situation of corruption, swindle, fraud, favouritism and nepotism in our Bolehland. The first thing that struck me was the indulgence in money politics during the UMNO election in September 2004.
When we say money politics, people don't get the real picture; it is nothing but bribery and corruption. It is buying votes to get elected to the leadership of UMNO, the dominant party in the Barisan National that rules the nation.
Some believe that the money that changed hands in the last UMNO elections amounted to millions of ringgit. If this is true, then it is blatant corruption. Compared with the previous elections, the incidences of money politics in 2004 is believed to be the worst. In fact, the real winner was "money politics". Those leaders of the ruling party who indulged in such practices were even implicated in corruption confirming how pervasive is money politics.
Why is money used to buy votes? According to some, such money is perceived as a "forward investment".
Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Malaysia-Today
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