KUALA LUMPUR — Certain politicians rationalise their misuse of power and corruption and attribute it to the public demands for financial assistance, claimed Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim.
Jais said although it may not all be true, the MCW, however, acknowledged that there might be validity to the politicians’ perspective.
“It is evident that when people engage with political leaders, they often anticipate material gain.
“A culture has emerged wherein people seek not only solutions to their problems but also financial support, even if it is just travel expenses to meet with politicians or seeking help to pay for the electricity and water bills,” he said during a talk show hosted by Bernama TV last night, in conjunction with the announcement on results of the state elections.
Jais also said that while politicians are there to address issues, they cannot alleviate financial burdens.
“Politicians are entrusted with enforcing laws and regulations for the nation’s betterment, rather than being viewed solely as a source of monetary assistance.”
He added the intersection of corruption and politics is a persistent narrative.
As much as the country should stress awareness among politicians about corruption, he said crucial steps should also be taken to bolster awareness regarding corruption in elections among voters.
The ethical governance advocate shared that although Malaysians are well-versed in the intricacies of corruption, they often hesitate to formally lodge official complaints.
To surmount this, Jais emphasised on the significance of continuous campaigns and educational initiatives to root out corruption entirely.
“The relationship between politicians and the electorate raises significant questions.
“Maybe academia could explore this dynamic further to better comprehend these claims,” he said.
He also hoped society would recognise politicians as law enforcers and policymakers, rather than personal benefactors while holding their representatives accountable for ethical conduct.
The shift in perspective, he said, is key to eradicating corruption in the country. — August 13, 2023