LETTERS: THE launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shows the government's resolve to eradicate corruption in the country.
We must all support the strategy without reservation. It would be good if the private sector could come up with a similar strategy.
Fighting graft can save the country billions of ringgit that can be channelled to more productive and beneficial purposes.
It has been reported that the country lost a whopping RM277 billion due to corruption from 2018 to 2023.
That amount of money could have built more than 10,000 schools, or 500 hospitals, or two million low-cost houses and numerous, parks, roads, public transport infrastructure and utilities.
These are enough reasons for the people, the private sector and the government to work together to eradicate all duplicity, fraud, double dealing and gross misconduct that cause corruption.
Corruption takes many forms. For instance, political connections can influence decision-making, leading to unfair advantages for some individuals or groups.
Inefficient government procedures and red tape can provide opportunities for corruption as bribes are demanded or offered to hasten processes. Businesses may engage in corrupt practices to gain competitive advantages.
Could greater use of digital technology be one solution?
Perhaps we should strengthen the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) by increasing its manpower and resources.
Government-linked companies and statutory bodies should also play their part to nip corruption in the bud.
Education is an important aspect in the fight against corruption. The school curriculum should promote public consciousness and responsible citizenship.
We should teach our children from young how to avoid corruption. They should know how to identify, resist, reject and report these scourges of society.
Talks, debates and essay competitions are some of the ways to inculcate these values among children.
Furthermore, we should establish mechanisms to protect whistleblowers and encourage a culture of reporting misconduct without fear of reprisal.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times