The recent expose of the Pandora Papers has unearthed the humongous outflow of cash reportedly in the billions, being deposited at off-shore banks overseas allegedly by our politicians, former national leaders and their families and several high-profile individuals.
In the current Parliament sitting, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had requested the speaker to debate the Pandora Papers in view of the staggering amount of cash involved, and the high-profile individuals listed owning accounts at off-shore banks overseas.
Unfortunate as it turned out to be, the speaker was indifferent towards the opposition leader’s request, leading the opposition leader to accuse the speaker of acting in defence of the high profile individuals named in the Pandora Papers.
Although there is no national law restricting individuals from having off-shore bank accounts overseas, the high-profile individuals and the unexplained amount of cash held by them raises questions over their integrity.
The public are rightly so alarmed by the contents of the Pandora Papers. People are asking, “Why do they keep their billions in off-shore banks? Are our banks not safe enough?”
Patriot is cognisant of the fact that the public have grown sick and tired. They are utterly fed up with the endless cases of corruption being reported daily. What is a growing concern is the fact that those within the ranks of the civil service are also increasingly guilty or alleged to be dabbling in corrupt practices.
Way back in the 60s and early 70s, our civil service was reputed to be the best in the region. One wonders what has become of the civil service today.
With the number of corruption cases reported daily involving individuals with titles and honorifics, and including those holding high positions in government, the public are left with no alternative but to cast serious doubts.
Public trust in about every government ministry, department and agency is sinking into a new low.
The recent report of three MACC officers who were alleged to have stolen cash retained as an exhibit, and one among them was reported to be involved in drug smuggling, has undoubtedly brought the nation’s anti-corruption agency into disrepute and shame, leading to a crucial loss of confidence and trust in the agency.
Now, who do we trust when an agency entrusted to be the "watchdog" over corruption is involved in such a dastardly criminal act?
Patriot is of the opinion that the fate of the country can no longer be relied upon and left absolutely in the hands of politicians. Likewise, the civil service’s reputation is so soiled that even to let them manage the day-to-day activities of governing the country is deemed high risk.
The first step towards rescuing a sinking nation is for the PM to empower the public to act with the freedom and safety to speak up against any wrongdoing of officials in the government. And the people must not be threatened, intimidated or coerced by any authority for doing so.
The rampant, deeply rooted corruption in the country needs a revolutionary approach if the PM is serious in saving this nation as he began his appointment by announcing a "Keluarga Malaysia".
Patriot, therefore, welcomes NGOs and civil societies to actively monitor the day-to-day activities of government officials, particularly those who manage and approve contracts.
Political appointees in ministries were known to be prone to corrupt dispositions. It is time that their activities are closely monitored by the public.
There have been allegations in the past of some appointees acting as "gatekeepers" and taking bribes from contractors. It is time that an ombudsman is appointed by Parliament to monitor all operatives without fear or favour. And it should be granted full powers to investigate complaints against any administration of government.
No ministry, department and agency must be allowed to conduct their "in-house investigation" on all cases related to corruption and abuse of power by any of its officials. Such a practice is plain hogwash as is also proven by the Pandora Papers today.
Patriot further urges Ismail Sabri Yaakob to take full control of the ministries and all officials of the government, especially at this time when the nation is fighting threatening battles on two fronts namely the health pandemic and the dire state of the economy.
He must not fear taking harsh and punitive action against non-performers, regardless of their status – even if it involves ministers and deputy ministers.
This is not the time to seek popularity or peddle party priorities but a time for action to save the nation from going down the cesspit and lost in oblivion.
This nation belongs to all citizens – past, present and future. It is not a wealth bank to be hoarded by a few or a vineyard to be raped and exploited by parasites on the gravy train.
Patriot has renewed its fight against corruption in all forms at all levels and will not hesitate to act accordingly to help the PM engage in war on the corrupt at all levels within and outside the government.
If the PM fails in this most crucial responsibility, then he is to be held accountable. - Mkini
MOHAMED ARSHAD RAJI is the president of Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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