Corruption is a social disease. Very much like AIDS and SARS. The difference is corruption affects the health of the “nation” rather affecting one’s health. Corruption in Malaysia – to my knowledge exists in different levels of society. From the rich to the poor.
The most common corruption that we can see is the bribing of policemen during roadblocks. I’ve heard different stories of how policemen actually asked for bribes during roadblocks. Sometimes for petty offences such as slight darker tinted windscreens.
In fact, I have experienced few incidents with policeman during roadblocks. Few years back, on the way home for Putrajaya – I got stopped on Salak South Expressway for speeding. I admitted to the policeman that I was speeding, probably about 10-20kmh above the speed limit. It was late and the road was empty (he he). Then – I asked the policeman to issue a ticket for speeding. To my surprise, the policeman keep blabbing about how difficult to pay, go to court. He even asked if the car I drove was my car (perhaps I looked like a college kid). It came to a point where I had to tell the policeman to issue the ticket faster, as it was getting a bit late and I have no time to entertain him. After about 15 mins, I realised that he was trying to ask me for money – and obviously I refuse to do so. At the end, he let me go with a warning (yah somewhat).
Having said that, I do understand why policeman do look for “extra” income. Its because their pay is so low. An Assistant Superintendent earns about RM2,130 to a maximum of RM 5,170.53 **Imagine the lower level guys**. (Refer That is definitely not enough for a life in the city. The government should raise their salary. The other way, the government should consider to give commission to the policeman whenever the ticket is issued. A percentage of 15-20 percent will be ideal. For a fine of RM300 – the policeman will stand to make RM45 to RM60 per ticket. That’s good money. I bet you, if they implement this, they will be hunting for offenders! And it will also solve the problem of recruiting. But the question is, is this ethically correct? I think its ok, at the end of the day – the government will get money, the policeman get additional income, and the public will follow the law and of course curb corruptions.
Obviously, this is to curb corruption at the lowest level – but the big fishes is totally different game altogether. From the multi million dollar projects to passport issuance to many many more things. Then again as the malay saying ” Sikit Sikit, Lama lama jadi bukit” or in english ” Bit by Bit, then it becomes a hill” .. Ok, that doesn’t sound really right but heck.
Whatever it is, the most important thing that one should know is that battling corruption starts with their own self. In order to eliminate corruption, one should stop become the “giver”. When the giving stops, the receiving will stop too. Somewhat – somehow – somewhere.