And this recent article has created small ripples in cyberspace with Chinese & Malays blaming each other. The givers being Chinese obviously, blaming the receivers Malays and vice versa. So, who is right? As the saying goes, two wrongs don't make a right. or it takes two to tango. or the pot calling the kettle black. Whatever.
Having said that, before we train our guns at MACC Deputy Commissioner Datuk Sutinah Sutan, she was actually responding to the survey conducted by the Chinese themselves, the Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia (Huazong). I do find the survey half-baked, because a sampling of 216 persons is too small. And frankly, I wonder why they would conduct such a redundant survey because it's common knowledge. Perhaps that explains why the small sampling.
Anyway, I presume the survey was skewed towards the lower end of the corruption spectrum. Usually the smaller the amount, the easier it is in enforcement. However, the real action takes place at the higher spectrum, in terms of the amount involved. Like they say, follow the money... but then, that is where their jobs become hazardous to their health. hehehehe.
Anyway, since we're talking about the lower spectrum, let's dive into the facts:
1. Demographics
Chinese are the higher percentage in giving and Malays are the higher percentage in receiving because over 90% of civil servants are Malays. It's actually not true that the Chinese only likes to bribe the Malays but in reality, it's actually quite difficult to find a non-Malay to bribe in the government departments. To be clear and not turn this into a racial issue, the Chinese have absolutely no qualms in bribing any race.
2. Pragmatism
Time is money. In terms of time cost, the amount spent to "facilitate" transactions would work out to be cheaper than the DIY way. To the Chinese, it's a business transaction. The amount given would have gone through very detailed calculations, factoring in cost, benefits, risks and ROI. To the Malays, it's helping out the Chinese and the money received is just an act of appreciation. You help me, I help you...
3. Cultural
Those receiving, who are Malays (see point number 1) are more inclined to take from the Chinese rather than from Malays. Why? Partly because the risk of being reported by a fellow Malay is exponentially higher than a Chinese. And the fact that most Malays often have relatives or friends in government service greatly increases the risk to the levels that could be detrimental to their rice-bowl. So, depending on circumstances, the Chinese actually do get better service because they are co-operative, easy-going, there's a mutual understanding and not a bloody pain in the ass... so to speak.
4. Tolerance
The Chinese do indeed have a higher tolerance towards corruption. In fact, it is ingrained in the psyche of the community whenever they have to deal with government departments. Partly due to government bureaucracy (refer to point number 2), and partly due to their lack of proficiency in Bahasa Melayu. The fact that most of the government forms do not have Mandarin translations have left them with no other choice but to partake in acts of bribery. Even for those who understands BM have a hard time comprehending the meaning of simple words, for instance, "keturunan" which means ethnicity, and insists on creating their own ethnicity such as "Anak Malaysia" which translate to "Child of Malaysia".
Anyway, seriously, in the lower spectrum, the Malay community are indeed less tolerant in corruption than Chinese. The Malays have the view that the government servants (being also Malay) should do what they are paid to do. It's their job. The Malays don't have the culture of giving bribes when dealing with government officials. But to the Chinese, it has become the norm.
In the context of the survey findings, Datuk Sutinah Sutan is correct. The Chinese do have to do their part if we are serious in fighting corruption.
Having said that, if the MACC is really, really serious in it's job, they must first and foremost eradicate the syndicates prevalent in some of the government agencies. These syndicates are so ingrained in the system that it is impossible for the public to bypass them. If they can achieve that, it would be a major milestone for the country.
I hope MACC's new year resolution involves less talking, more working.
Tolerance of corruption can ruin the country
Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 12 (Sin Chew Daily) – MACC deputy commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Sutinah Sutan reminds the Chinese community that the corruption tolerance mentality must be changed as in addition to opening the door for corruption, it will also breed corruption culture and bring endless harm to individuals, the society, as well as the country.
Datuk Sutinah Sutan
She said during an interview with Sin Chew Daily in response to a recent survey of 216 Chinese Malaysians aged between 16 and 45 by Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia (Huazong) Youth's Crime and Corruption Prevention.
The survey revealed that 78% of respondents said that accepting treats from contractors is reasonable, while 63% accept kickbacks and 58% accept buying "drinks" for enforcement officers to expedite the processing of documents.
Sutinah said that some Chinese might not understand the operation of government departments and since they are impatient and hope to get things done faster, they take a shortcut and bribe government officials.
She also pointed out that the lack of transparency in government departments' operation and administration might also have contributed to the practice of receiving table-money among government officials.
"When some people proceed to government departments for official business like applying for a business licence, he might not clear about the application process, such as what forms to fill in and which counter he should proceed to. Therefore, to save time and avoid troubles, some people might consider bribing the officials to expedite the procession of their applications," she said.
She said that the government is aware that the lack of transparency and low efficiency will lead to corruption and abuse of power. Therefore, the government has started to put up departmental organisation charts and responsibilities of various government agencies to facilitate the public.
"Some hospitals also show organisation charts and if members of the public are not satisfied with the service attitude of doctors or nurses, they will know to whom they can make a complaint," she added.
Sutinah also pointed out that government departments have gradually transformed into high-tech electronics operations to reduce red tape and simplify application procedures, to enhance transparency and services. For instance, it took three months to get an international passport in the past but it takes only 24 hours or one hour for renewal today.
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