Isa Samad: Corruption is everywhere, it's not a problem

Felda's controversial new chairman Isa Samad corruption is "everywhere" and in Malaysia it "is not that bad".

“Corruption is everywhere, it’s not that bad. If bad, Malaysia would have crumble,” the former Menteri Besar of Negri Sembilan, who was once suspended as UMNO member after being found guilty of money politics, told a forum here on the future of Malay leadership.

Isa’s view however contrasted with the other panelists at the forum.

One of them, PAS secretary general Mustafa Ali, said the biggest challenge for Malay leadership was rampant corruption plaguing the country, which he said had affected all quarters from the country's top leaders to the middle class and students.

“A research by Institute Integrity Malaysia (IIM) reveals that 35 percent of the student respondents said they would take bribe if there is an opportunity,” said Mustafa.

UMNO and PAS unity

On the question of UMNO and PAS uniting, Isa, who is also the Bagan Pinang state assemblyman, said it would be a very difficult task and would not be the answer for Malay unity.

“If PAS and UMNO unite, someone else will establish another Malay political party. Recently, Kita was borne, next it will be Kami,” he quipped, referring to former PKR supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim’s political party, People's Welfare Party (KITA). - Malaysia Chronicle