A NATION and its people cannot progress if corrupt practices are deemed “normal”, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“It’s difficult for a country and society, which see corrupt practices as normal, to progress.

“The government administration will be less efficient and have a negative impact on investments and trade,” he said in his blog.

The result is more poverty when investors, businesses and trade are chased away because of a corrupt government.

He drew similarities with the economic situation during Covid-19 outbreak whereby many lost their incomes and businesses came to a halt.

“Everyone became poor, including the government, because there were no taxes collected. The effect of a lack of economic activity due to corruption is the same.”

The people will have to depend on the government as a result of lack of economic activities because of corruption, he said.

The government, on the other hand, will face revenue shortages in a downturn while the rakyat can’t contribute to economic growth.

“Hence a country will be poor,” he said.

National interests will be pushed aside in a country led by corrupt figures, he said.

“If people go against a corrupt government, they will be bribed with government money. That is how the BR1M was created as a free cash,” he said, referring to the 1Malaysia people’s aid.

Elections, too, become compromised with those serving their self-interest bribing their way to power.

He said corruption is taken lightly compared to other offences.

“We take corruption lightly and we accept when we are bribed. We do not feel guilty or shy that this will be known to others. After all, what is the impact of our deed?”

The Langkawi MP said bribery will become a habit when it is deemed as not a serious offence. – August 6, 2020.