Do You Believe This Pak Lah Claim? - "I Am Ramping Up Efforts To Battle Scourge Of Corruption!"
From Channel Newsasia comes another incredulous claim by the Prime Minister!Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Thursday launched an impassioned defence of his record on battling corruption, saying he was ramping up efforts to battle the scourge. He also scolded Malaysians for being cynical about the government's anti-corruption efforts, which he said were making headway.***** So please relax all you cynical, ungrateful citizens of this fair land of ours. In the PM we have a man of great conviction and of unwavering belief that he will ultimately root out corruption. It may take time as Pak Lah feels that the scourge is a global issue.
"Perception indicators would have us believe that the fight against corruption is stagnating," he said in a speech to launch the government's Anti-Corruption Academy to train anti-graft officers in Malaysia and the region. It must be remembered that perceptions do not always mirror reality. To an extent, the worsening of corruption perceptions is to be expected as we turn the spotlight on corruption," he said.
Abdullah was elected premier in 2004 in a landslide vote on the back of an anti-corruption campaign which promised to crack down on high-profile individuals. However, opposition politicians and anti-graft watchdogs say progress has been slow, with few meaningful reforms, while former premier Mahathir Mohamad has said that corruption has worsened under Abdullah's watch.
In the latest criticism, watchdog Transparency International last month released a survey which said Malaysians believe their country has an "acute" corruption problem, and warned it could drive away foreign investors.
But Abdullah accused Malaysians of being cynical about the government's anti-graft drive. Corruption-related arrests had risen 77 percent, with 564 detained in 2006 compared with 318 in 2001, while conviction rates had risen from below 50 percent to 74 percent, he said. "I would go so far as to say that the biggest enemy of the anti-corruption agenda is public cynicism and apathy," Abdullah said.
The prime minister also told reporters later the government was stepping up its anti-corruption drive. "We are taking all sorts of measures," he said, without elaborating.
Abdullah said he was acting on "strong convictions and my belief that this is the right thing to do" and vowed to continue his efforts. We need to be able to face our maker on judgement day with a clear conscience," he said.
So what if Dr Mahathir and some troublemakers like Transparency International feel that he is doing precious little? Nothing can be further from the truth. He is taking all sorts of measures and steps with a clear conscience and with no less than judgement day in mind. In a matter of a few years or decades he will get back to all of you and proudly say "I have more or less succeeded!" Until then please keep voting BN, just as the wise people of Machap did yesterday, and I'm sure the geniuses of Ijok will be doing soon. Semuanya OK!!
Image - Source
Labels: Corruption
posted by The Malaysian. at 4/13/2007 11:12:00 AM
17 Comments:
corruption is malaysia, sorry to say.
good to hear pak lah 'wants' to 'ramp up efforts' to erase corruption..
but the result remains to be seen..
as i said earlier, corruption is malaysia... from head to tail.
i support the move to eradicate corruption, but i don't hold high hopes of it becoming 0% (or even 50% for that matter).
cheers
Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences and proven record. The Prime Minister is no exception. No one cannot eliminate prejudices (private or public) except by proof of achievements. Relating to your theme for public views, it's not a matter of belief to his claim. Facts speaks for itself.
If anybody really wants to do something, he or she will find a way. If not, there will always be excuses.
Our political culture has reached a tragic stage cos' character no longer counts and corruption is no handicap to selection of leaders.
abdullah ahmad badawi is a big liar.
There is only one way to defeat corruption: kick out the entire corruption-ridden govt
If the philosophy of 'majority has its say' prevails, like the result of Machap, I begin to force myself to my preception of corruption could be wrong since for the past 2 by-elections, opposition voice was not taken heed....So, when PM said he was working on it, and there's no cause to be alarmed, believe him, majority of the rakyat still loves BN and our PM. Even when BN corrupts is acceptable to the majority, face it, man.
It is indeed puzzling to me that every time I read a comment regarding DAP, it is always accused of practising racial politics.
But the same is not mentioned about the politics of Umno, MIC or MCA for that matter. Neither is it mentioned of the existence of schools or colleges meant only for a particular race.
The fingers, instead are quick to point to the private sector where businesses and colleges are biased or concentrated towards a particular minority race. These are all symptoms of an unhealthy trend in our Malaysian society. The majority is pointing the finger at the minority for the very sin it is blatantly committing without remorse or shame.
The fact is the majority has a role to play in a civil society. Its biggest role is to lead the minority by example and not to discriminate when unity is called for the good of the country.
Instead, we have politicians driven to please the masses by waving a 'keris' and calling others 'pendatang' even though many of these latter are not.
Every policy that has been designed and implemented is meant by and large to please the majority. 'Social contract, remember' that is what the minority is always reminded of.
Fine then. What then do the majority expect of the minority? Smile? When after all the hard work their children have put in, they are denied the places they so dearly wish to have in a public university?
Ours is a 'positive discrimination' for the good of all, they say. But DAP? 'Oh, they are a chauvinist party that only caters for the interest of one particular race. They are racist. They never take care of other races.'
My question then is: If the majority are only interested in their 'bangsa, negara and ugama' - then kindly enlighten me as to whom the minority should turn to?
The nation like parents, must provide for its citizens all the necessary education before it can expect undivided loyalty and patriotism. Like a child who refuses to return to his uncaring parents, students too, do not return to their motherland on completion of their studies if they are unhappy with the way they were treated.
Many of our Malaysia doctors do not return because of the frustrating and unfair working environment back home. The three most important factors that provide incentive for work are appreciation, opportunities and reward based truly on merit. Public sector doctors are not appreciated and rewarded appropriately for their services to their own country.
It is difficult to comprehend that when foreign countries are willing to reward our doctors, with privileges on par with those to their own citizens, why then does our own government refuse to do so!
Despite highlighting their plight, the authorities refuse to acknowledge and take the necessary remedial action.
The solution is simple - treat your citizens with care and instill a sense of belonging in them and they will respond with all the loyalty, nationalism and patriotism that you require of them.
I am glad, I got my residency in other country, I am showing off, yes, I am happy, I don't have to face those silly Malaysia politicians drama again.
Wish you people, for those talented one and the rich one, just pack up and go to other countries, they don't appreciate us, we won't stay!
As they say, we not happy, we can pack up. So I listen to them - since we Malaysians have to listen to the government "all the time", or some people will treat us, May 13 will be happen again.
I am a good Malaysian Chinese, I listened to my teacher in school, I studied hard, I didn't manage to get into local university, maybe it is too packed with their people and leave me no seat.
I paid my tax when I worked for a year full time after I graduated from my college diploma set, I paid my tax for them to build for the 10 thousand ringgit a street light in Cyberjaya.
I never voice out in the public that I was treated unequally, because they might jail me and left a big black mark on my police report. And what the "finance" promised me from an award I received 2 years ago - still heard nothing from them, even I contact them, they said who are you? Chinese name, they don't care anymore since then.
So I am a good Malaysian, a non-malay Malaysian, I obeyed all Malaysia rules, and I decided to leave the country. I mean, what is the point staying in the country you don't like?
Am I still love my country Malaysia? Ho yes I still, a bit since some of my family members are still there if not I won't be here anymore……….well maybe after another 20 years, after those "certain type" of malays already opened their mind, maybe I will return - return to buy a piece of land for my grave yard.
If Malaysia has to push forward, they have to rebuild their political system to ensure that discrimination can never ferment in Malaysia.
I personally think that Malaysia is heading to a dead end, where it will meet Indonesia. Both of them might have taken separate ways, but the navigator (government) shares the exact same blood, teaching and thinking.
This Malaysia country is along the way of 49 years of independence has sideline the basic foundation of our government. Won't be surprise that many of our ministers do not even understand our constitution yet even knowing the Rukun Negara.
The purpose of Article 153 of the constitution and the National Economic Policy was to protect the interests of the bumis, in the fields of civil service, public education and public scholarship, as well as empower them economically.
Has this policy translated into tangible benefits for the non-malay bumi communities in Sabah and Sarawak? Not yet, if the economic disparity and the income figures, between the rich Chinese timber tycoons and their malay sidekicks are anything to go by.
We have double standards everywhere. One for the Umno and one for the non-Umno, I weep for the fools who think that their minister is fighting for their right. With every RM1 they give to you, they are taking RM100 away from your kids. Your son will grow up to become suicide bombers, trust me. Because they will think that the West robbed them.
Long-name Isa got kick off of the club for corruption, he was never prosecuted in court. Long-name Osu gambled millions away, in debt and nothing happens. The Rafidah-APs scandal? Last I heard she is still a minister.
Conclusion? We have a bunch of criminals in the parliament, and guess who is the head?
Well, you know what they say. Power corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely - given the chance, should he not watch himself, any politician (or most) would abandon his mission for money and status.
In summary - Malaysians enjoy the being multi-racial, love the country and not hung up on mixing with other races. The politicians (Chinese, Indians, Malays, and others) screw us all up, play up the racial card to protect themselves so that they can plunder the nation and put the blame on the people.
But anyways, it is sad to see the state of the modern Malaysia. I for one believe that Malaysians are very talented, and we can literally take the world by storm. If only we were given the chance and the support to do so!
Being an undergraduate, I have been advised time and time again by my elders, that if it were possible, attain a job oversea (currently in Australia). And don't come back. Except for the food and holiday.
But I still would really like to see its betterment. Fine, perhaps not in my lifetime.
My honest advise to my fellow countryman, no matter what race you are, save enough money and emigrate. You are doing yourself and your future generation a big favour.
Goodbye Malaysia. I guess there is no longer hope for a better country as long as it is a Muslim country and is governed by the ever corrupted bumi system. They suck big time.
Arrogant people - those who think they are more Malaysians than others.
Corrupt people - those who keep pilfering from the publics, to enrich themselves.
Hypocritical people - those who say one thing to God and one thing to the people.
Idiotic people - those who think that by waving the keris, the world will be under their feet.
Lazy people - those who wait for durian to drop.
Moronic people - those who go amok, chopping own family members.
Naive people - those who expect God to drop them food when they pray for it.
Stupid people - those who think that wearing turban will make them clever.
Due to the education policies, most young and intelligent Malaysians have either cross over to Singapore and other countries to further their studies.
In fact a great number of them have been earmarked by the Singapore government before their finals to take up PR status and attractive jobs offered. Some of these Malaysians are actually in Singapore parliament to help the nation to progress.
Actually the fact that smart Malaysians who capable are going to other countries be it Singapore or Australia can be a good thing for the country or for Malaysian Chinese in particular.
Why?
In the age of globalisation, it is important to have roots and contacts around. These bondages among relatives and friends among all Chinese spread around the world can benefit trade in future. It is a form of bridge to better future. Companies headed by Malaysians can in future help each other.
We can never know what the future in Malaysia will be like given the circumstances. So in a way it is a good thing. It is like the old days when Chinese traded among each other in this region.
So stage one export our experts around the world - next connect each other. That is good. One day maybe someone will initiate an association of overseas Chinese Malaysians eh?
Malaysians are not genetically inferior to Singaporeans - we are the same kind of people except for the proportion of various ethnic groups. The reason why many intelligent Malaysians went overseas is due to a government bent on dividing us along religious and ethnic lines.
For too long Malaysians of all ethnic groups have been bamboozled by scoundrels who'd used divisive slogans to enrich their own pockets and the pockets of their relatives and cronies. Malaysians must unite and give the opposition a chance to do better.
Malaysians have been moving to Singapore for many years now and that has been their long term strategy since they allowed tens of thousands of Malaysians to study there.
How about 'leadership by example' in education - deserves further systematic exploration for Malaysians to see through Umno's hypocrisy, hubris and folly.
One, these Umno elite themselves have no confidence in the so-called 'national' system of education they promote and defend. That is why for example, Najib and Hussein studied in British universities not local ones.
That is also why the children of all our prime ministers, including those of Mahathir and Badawi, were overseas for their secondary or tertiary education.
Two, increasingly even ordinary malay parents have realised that the Chinese-language education system is better for intellectual quality as well as for the inculcation of discipline among children and youths.
There are now more than 65000 malay children studying in Chinese primary schools.
The government has to admit that our national schools have a lot of shortcomings, which is why the Chinese prefer to send their children to the vernacular schools. The Chinese schools also have better discipline levels and tend to be better in the teaching of mathematics.
A lot of my Chinese friends also had the same regret in not being able to learn to write and speak Chinese due to their parents obsession in enrolling them into English-medium schools.
The answer as to whether the glass is half empty or half full will depend on who asked the question.
Of course, the MIC, MCA, Gerakan and the other Barisan Nasional component parties cannot evade political and social responsibility too for the failure of the 'national' education system.
It is indeed time for a serious national introspection and national renewal. It is time also for the removal of the rotten systems in Malaysia.
The government must realise that they have to accommodate both national and national-type schools. No one should call for the abolishment of vernacular schools, as they are there to provide an alternative and also to keep the national schools on their toes.
After all, it is just like the case of Malaysian sports. We used to be quite good and proud of our standards, but after decades of institutional mediocrity in the administration and selection process, we are now mediocre.
We cannot have the cake and eat it anymore. Just like sports where many of us have given up, we can also forget about trying to be a nation of academic reputation if we continue to institutionalise mediocrity.
There is a solution to the current problems in our public education system. We just have to take political considerations out of the equation.
There should also be no racial profiling for public schooling and communal sentiments do not supercede the importance of a quality education.
Spending on public education should be increased and the syllabus content streamlined for quality. Take control of the schools, weed out poor teachers from the system and retrain them if necessary.
Make teaching a more attractive position and have efficient school administrative policies to let teachers enjoy their freedom to educate rather than to teach for exams.
The road towards a quality public education system would require huge political and economic commitment from the government, the people and the private sector.
Today, we can and must create a quality education system for all.
How about 'leadership by example' in education - deserves further systematic exploration for Malaysians to see through Umno's hypocrisy, hubris and folly.
One, these Umno elite themselves have no confidence in the so-called 'national' system of education they promote and defend. That is why for example, Najib and Hussein studied in British universities not local ones.
That is also why the children of all our prime ministers, including those of Mahathir and Badawi, were overseas for their secondary or tertiary education.
Two, increasingly even ordinary malay parents have realised that the Chinese-language education system is better for intellectual quality as well as for the inculcation of discipline among children and youths.
There are now more than 65000 malay children studying in Chinese primary schools.
The government has to admit that our national schools have a lot of shortcomings, which is why the Chinese prefer to send their children to the vernacular schools. The Chinese schools also have better discipline levels and tend to be better in the teaching of mathematics.
A lot of my Chinese friends also had the same regret in not being able to learn to write and speak Chinese due to their parents obsession in enrolling them into English-medium schools.
The answer as to whether the glass is half empty or half full will depend on who asked the question.
Of course, the MIC, MCA, Gerakan and the other Barisan Nasional component parties cannot evade political and social responsibility too for the failure of the 'national' education system.
It is indeed time for a serious national introspection and national renewal. It is time also for the removal of the rotten systems in Malaysia.
The government must realise that they have to accommodate both national and national-type schools. No one should call for the abolishment of vernacular schools, as they are there to provide an alternative and also to keep the national schools on their toes.
After all, it is just like the case of Malaysian sports. We used to be quite good and proud of our standards, but after decades of institutional mediocrity in the administration and selection process, we are now mediocre.
We cannot have the cake and eat it anymore. Just like sports where many of us have given up, we can also forget about trying to be a nation of academic reputation if we continue to institutionalise mediocrity.
There is a solution to the current problems in our public education system. We just have to take political considerations out of the equation.
There should also be no racial profiling for public schooling and communal sentiments do not supercede the importance of a quality education.
Spending on public education should be increased and the syllabus content streamlined for quality. Take control of the schools, weed out poor teachers from the system and retrain them if necessary.
Make teaching a more attractive position and have efficient school administrative policies to let teachers enjoy their freedom to educate rather than to teach for exams.
The road towards a quality public education system would require huge political and economic commitment from the government, the people and the private sector.
Today, we can and must create a quality education system for all.
Is absolutely right!
For those who have been victimized under the Malaysia made meritocracy trap, look elsewhere. Opportunities abound.
Most of the talented people in the country leave because of this exact problem, the smart malays have two options, they can use their skills abroad, do something interesting, innovative, exciting, or stay in Malaysia, learn to abuse the system and their family ties and make shit loads of money.
I left Malaysia long time ago when my mother told me to look for greener pasture elsewhere.
Absolutely no regret. The local organization and government sponsored all my living and educational expenses here to the maximum I could go.
Frankly speaking, if not for those incompetent, extremist and brainless leaders and cronies who have destroyed Malaysia for the past 30 years, this land is a heaven on earth.
I totally agree with the above. The future of this Malaysia country is rather bleak if not doomed. Politicians here are living in their own twilight zone, harping on the success of this country, which I think very soon the northern neighbour Thailand will eventually overtake this country.
For long years ago, the Malaysia prime minister was asked by Lee Kuan Yew, "Are you concern that there is a massive brain drain happening in the country, and most of them are Chinese?"
Surprise surprise, the Malaysian counterpart told Lee Kuan Yew, "Let them go if they want to………." That is the attitude of this country.
They don't realised that for a country to be prosper and advance, they need brains. That is why Singapore is doing all it could to attract brains all over the world. However it is different over here.
Singapore does not have a national car and the world tallest building. For a small country, much smaller like Singapore, they still shine brighter.
I think many fatal and non-fatal accidents are cause by Proton vulnerable car. Why do we have Proton? If not, we would be driving a brand new car at the price of a low. True!
Well, Mahathir wanted it just like he wanted the Twin Towers - to let the world know we are here. It is like when people ask where is the Malaysia? We would use Singapore and Thailand to point out where we are - in the middle of it.
Would you like to know the true fact about the malay language? There isn't any in the first place. All the vocals are translated from all sorts of other languages like English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Tamil……….etc.
Once upon a time, I have an Indonesian maid. When she started to work, she has only a working visa. Later she informed us that she got a "red IC" (citizens of Malaysia have blue IC) meaning she is a permanent resident. The last general election she was standing inline with me to cast votes and I did ask her, rather surprisingly elections are for citizens and why are you here. She just showed me her blue IC. Meaning to say she is a citizen.
The other part of a story, a local woman married a professional from Australia. Due to our funny system, her husband cannot work in Malaysia because he could not obtain a permanent resident. They were happy to stay in this country of the environment and weather but because of the visa thingy, they went back to Australia.
Now the story is, the bureaucrats would happily grant citizenship to those that are of the same religion (not Buddhist, Christian or Hindu) or the same race. I am not sure what is the policy of the country. Maybe the policy is to maintain labour intensive industry but not people with brains.
I totally agree with emigrate. If given the chance to flee out of this country, I would do.
Chinese getting straight As are not allowed into universities. Not allowed civil service jobs. That is blatant discrimination.
Why do you support such discrimination?
Malaysian Chinese have built very successful businesses, hence they have the wealth that they have. This is not greed. They worked for what they now own.
Why do you envy what does not belong to you? Is this not greed?
It is quite untrue that business offers are conducted on the basis of race. Starting any business is very very hard work, but the malays did not have a hard working tradition to persevere. This is a cultural change the malays need in order to conduct businesses successfully.
Armed with this knowledge, do you still insist that Malaysian Chinese are greedy, and therefore it is right for malays to take what does not belong to them?
Your perception of business in Malaysia has got to be wrong.
Most goods and services can be conducted in open markets, and there is no particular reason to single out malays so that Chinese businessmen should swindle them. There are lots of swindlers in business so it is not just malays who get swindled.
Successful businessmen depend on providing real benefits to customers and partners so that it is worthwhile for them to do business again and again to both parties benefit. It is only when customers also get rich that businesses can grow.
The discrimination against Chinese, Indians and other peoples cannot be tolerated in the modern world. Countries that do this will face long-term decline.
Hard working people are not greedy as you accuse them. They are hard working because they have a mission in life to prosper, to give offspring a good chance in life to live to the full, to contribute their talents to the betterment of society……….
This is not greed.
Whereas, envy of others wealth and taking what they have not worked for is greed.
I would put is stronger. It is corruption and robbery. You talk like a Mafia extortionist when you said that worse could happen to the Chinese, so be thankful because there are more malays than Chinese, and therefore they can take even more from the Chinese if they want to.
You have to be joking to believe that your greed and prejudices are the wonderful things about Malaysia. Well, may be you do.
Malaysia as describe it is a country based on racism, lack of a conscience, and greed (taking from hard working foreigners).
Meritocracy is denounced. Robbing the wealthy is promoted.
How can there be a good future for such a country?
Looking from outside of Malaysia, it is easy to see that the malay-controlled government is enforcing a wealth-robbing programme from the Chinese who earned their wealth through hard work.
By barring bright well qualified Malaysian Chinese from entering Malaysia universities, Malaysia is pursuing a discriminatory policy based on race.
This is not tolerated in civilised countries. It is a policy that gives Malaysia a very bad reputation and deprives itself of its most talented.
It is a policy which tells the malays that robbing from the rich is not greed because being rich, being educated is the same as being greedy.
This is moral corruption and self contradiction which Malaysia will pay back a very heavy price.
I am a Chinaman Malaysian, no pun intended and I am no proud of it. While I am not really a target of the government's drive to reverse some brain flow, I cannot tahan but to pen a word or two on that seemingly off-the-cuff statement.
I am kampung boy who grew up amidst paddy fields. Twenty years ago, along with tens of young Malaysians, I was lucky to be hired by a large Singapore multinational firm. However, the oil shock made our stint there short-lived. The company offered us student loans to further our studies.
We have never looked back since. Now, while most of us are in the IT industry, we are also involved in manufacturing, law, journalism, grain processing, airlines and academics. Similarly, while most are based in US, we are also in Australia, Japan, Singapore and UK.
Now, among us, how many have seriously considered returning to Malaysia to work and settle down? So far, a big, fat zero.
The terse comment in itself speaks volumes of the status quo in Malaysia. It is a classic feudalistic approach to handling things - the godfather way.
I wonder whether our man had thought of the very reasons why people flee the country in the first instance.
Least of all, the all-encompassing, racially discriminatory policies that suck the life out of citizens. Widespread corruption. The lopsided judiciary. Sickening politicians. Cruel and oppressive laws. Abuse of power. Absence of accountability. And the police? What a mess!
I also wonder if the PM-to-be realises who his audience is. Malaysian professionals abroad probably worked their butt off so as to reap the present-day fruits of labour. They are highly educated, and are keenly aware of things Malaysians and her malaise. Many have voted with their feet out of helplessness or disgust with the status quo.
Here are two questions for our man. How many Malaysian professionals does he seriously think, would want to forego what they have accumulated abroad, and return to the same environment that drove them out in the first place?
Does he also truly believe that Malaysian professionals abroad, once returned are convinced that they can contribute to nation building despite the stifling draconian laws that gag reasonable freedom of announcement, activity and expression?
Yes some, but not many will return.
For most professionals, living abroad has its own ups and downs. But, you get dignity, fair treatment, and respect for your ability. You get a voice, too. And ears to hear you.
Also, Malaysia does have a shortage of doctors and it seems ridiculous that Malaysian government-sponsored medical students are not required to return home.
All said, I do not lose hope. But talk of nation building should start at the individual level. If you take the oomph and the aaah out of the individual, chances are, no finger-snapping mere politician can lure him/her back to contribute to nation building.
I stand corrected.
dear Pm
1.Can I not be cynical after all these incidents.
What have you done to the close one eye and no approval palace?
2.Instead of throwing the book at the buggers in LKIM, you advised them to sort out the corruption allegations among themselves. ( Mind you, the amounts totalled millions)
3. Deputy Minister of Internal Security is still running the show ( and pointing fingers at the police) despite the corruption allegations.
4. You allocated RM600.0 million to only UMNO parlimentary constituencies just before the UMNO assembly ( to buy votes, if not why only to UMNO constituencies).
5. You allow your cronies to take control of Avenue Assets for a song ( which means at taxpayers expense).
and the list goes on and on and
Dear Mr PM, do you blame me for not believing you. By the way, when you came into office, I sincerely believe that you are the man to lead the nation out of the morass. Now, I have nothing but cynicism. Do you blame me.
Can anyone please explain to me how come sons or sons-in-laws or brothers or sisters of Datuks become rich business men and women? Our ex-PM's son is now a millionaire.
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