by Hannah Yeoh ( derived from SJ Echo )
I have observed the Hulu Selangor by-election and its results with much interest. While we detest the practice of dishing out goodies in exchange for votes and large amount of money used to buy the hearts of the voters or more bluntly phrased “to buy votes”, I cannot help but feel that the voters there are equally guilty of the same offence they allege the politicians to have committed.
I have spoken about this before in 2008, corruption takes both hands to clap. The immoral transaction involves both the giver and the recipient.
Non-election season: some citizens’ give and some politicians receive
Election season: some politicians give and some citizens receive
Both cannot cry innocence. That’s why Malaysia is where it is today. Plagued by corruption and unable to untangle the mess. Where do you start? Local council? Judiciary? Police force? Immigration? MACC? Driving schools? Or in your own car when your children are watching you when stopped by a traffic police?
I have observed the Hulu Selangor by-election and its results with much interest. While we detest the practice of dishing out goodies in exchange for votes and large amount of money used to buy the hearts of the voters or more bluntly phrased “to buy votes”, I cannot help but feel that the voters there are equally guilty of the same offence they allege the politicians to have committed.
I have spoken about this before in 2008, corruption takes both hands to clap. The immoral transaction involves both the giver and the recipient.
Non-election season: some citizens’ give and some politicians receive
Election season: some politicians give and some citizens receive
Both cannot cry innocence. That’s why Malaysia is where it is today. Plagued by corruption and unable to untangle the mess. Where do you start? Local council? Judiciary? Police force? Immigration? MACC? Driving schools? Or in your own car when your children are watching you when stopped by a traffic police?
Many expect others to practice transparency and accountability but when it comes to themselves, a lower or different standard applies.
The love of money is the root of all evil. Bribery cannot be tolerated. There are many ways to solve an issue but we must take the higher way, the principled way and the less travelled way. Even if it means taking a longer time to solve it, we must not partake in bribery. No compromise on short-cuts. Whether it is to settle summons or to expedite an application, do not bribe. Don’t offer it. Don’t take it.
Corruption does not always involve large amount of money. It can come in the most subtle form. You may escape the eyes of the law. You may escape the eyes of the public but you can’t escape God’s. We will reap what we sow. If we continue to sow into corruption, our nation will continue to reap of it.
All the systems in this country require an overhaul. Every Malaysian has to play a part in setting Malaysia free from corruption. We should have a tagline: ‘Selamatkan Malaysia daripada rasuah’ or ‘Rasuah membunuh!’ Yes, corruption kills. It kills the judiciary. It kills integrity. It kills our hope of becoming a first world country. It kills your children’s future.
Only righteousness alone can exalt Malaysia. I plead with you, on behalf of my generation and the younger ones: stop this deadly trend. Stop it the next time you are tempted. Leave behind a proud inheritance for us. A united community
Recently my office co-sponsored a bowling get-together for JKP Zone 3 (USJ 2 – USJ 15) at Summit. I was most impressed with the turn out. There was a wide representation of each USJ section in Zone 3 and each section sent a team. There were senior folks, teenagers, young working adults, men, ladies and grandparents. Children with special needs also participated in the bowling event and they scored higher points than me. Well done kids! MPSJ, police and bomba also participated and interacted with the residents.
In an urban community like DUN Subang Jaya, residents meet only when there’s a protest or a public hearing. It is important for residents to also meet others at social events, within their neighbourhood and also those adjoining. The community spirit present that day was evident. USJ 11 residents were making friends with those from Good Year Court 7 in USJ 14 and they have never met prior to this!
A united community will bring strength to all the causes they champion. Only when there is unity, a matter can be resolved amicably. Let me encourage every resident group to hear out the opinion of others in the community, respect it even though there is disagreement and brainstorm to see how we can move forward together.
The recent dialogue with Menteri Besar on Taman Subang Ria is a good example on how a good, orderly dialogue session can help chart a way forward for the community. Thank you to all who attended!
The love of money is the root of all evil. Bribery cannot be tolerated. There are many ways to solve an issue but we must take the higher way, the principled way and the less travelled way. Even if it means taking a longer time to solve it, we must not partake in bribery. No compromise on short-cuts. Whether it is to settle summons or to expedite an application, do not bribe. Don’t offer it. Don’t take it.
Corruption does not always involve large amount of money. It can come in the most subtle form. You may escape the eyes of the law. You may escape the eyes of the public but you can’t escape God’s. We will reap what we sow. If we continue to sow into corruption, our nation will continue to reap of it.
All the systems in this country require an overhaul. Every Malaysian has to play a part in setting Malaysia free from corruption. We should have a tagline: ‘Selamatkan Malaysia daripada rasuah’ or ‘Rasuah membunuh!’ Yes, corruption kills. It kills the judiciary. It kills integrity. It kills our hope of becoming a first world country. It kills your children’s future.
Only righteousness alone can exalt Malaysia. I plead with you, on behalf of my generation and the younger ones: stop this deadly trend. Stop it the next time you are tempted. Leave behind a proud inheritance for us. A united community
Recently my office co-sponsored a bowling get-together for JKP Zone 3 (USJ 2 – USJ 15) at Summit. I was most impressed with the turn out. There was a wide representation of each USJ section in Zone 3 and each section sent a team. There were senior folks, teenagers, young working adults, men, ladies and grandparents. Children with special needs also participated in the bowling event and they scored higher points than me. Well done kids! MPSJ, police and bomba also participated and interacted with the residents.
In an urban community like DUN Subang Jaya, residents meet only when there’s a protest or a public hearing. It is important for residents to also meet others at social events, within their neighbourhood and also those adjoining. The community spirit present that day was evident. USJ 11 residents were making friends with those from Good Year Court 7 in USJ 14 and they have never met prior to this!
A united community will bring strength to all the causes they champion. Only when there is unity, a matter can be resolved amicably. Let me encourage every resident group to hear out the opinion of others in the community, respect it even though there is disagreement and brainstorm to see how we can move forward together.
The recent dialogue with Menteri Besar on Taman Subang Ria is a good example on how a good, orderly dialogue session can help chart a way forward for the community. Thank you to all who attended!
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