Jakim: Corruption can destroy civilisations

In its sermon today, the Islamic authority urges all Malaysians to cooperate with the government to eradicate graft.

PETALING JAYA: Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) today urged Muslims to combat the scourge of corruption, saying it could ruin a nation and civilisation.

The sermon by the Islamic authority today is a far cry from its usual preaching, which is normally focused on supporting the government of the day and demonising Shiites.

Jakim said that with the World Anti-Corruption Day nearing, on Dec 9, Muslims should remember that corruption is ‘haram’ in Islam and the al-Quran states it clearly.

“The scourge of corruption can destroy good values, justice, oppress the people and ruin democracy. It pollutes one’s character as the person will have no honour in his or her pursuit of power and monetary gains,” said Jakim.

Although the government had established the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to fight graft, Jakim said that Malaysians should also cooperate and assist the anti-graft body as much as possible.

“We cannot rely on the MACC or any other government agencies alone to fight corruption. It is also the responsibility of each and every one of us. All of us should play a part to help the authorities.

“Corruption knows no boundaries. Remember the giver, taker and the middle man involved in graft are all guilty of the crime,” read the sermon.

Jakim also said that while some corrupt practises may not be to illegal in eyes of worldly law, it is still forbidden under Shariah.

“A corrupt act will demoralise those who are sincere and cause a lot of problems in an organisation.,” said Jakim.

The Islamic authority urged the government to conduct more awareness campaigns on the matter, to educate the masses on the menace of graft.

“Those involved in corrupt practises are traitors to the nation. Let us be a people of integrity and fulfill our duties with sincerity to bring goodness to the realm created by Allah,” said Jakim.