MALAYSIAN youth do not understand the true meaning of corruption and its repercussions, a recent survey found.

They are under the impression that corruption only involves money, and does not involve other forms such as abuse of power or sexual gratification, said Mengzhen Lim, a researcher from the Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

He said this was the conclusion from a survey on 232 young people for his study.

The study’s authors are Lim, Eliza Berezina, Wan Munira Wan Jaafar and Azlina Mohd Khir.

“We only asked one question to all respondents: What is corruption? Many did not understand the true meaning of corruption.

“The majority of respondents believed that corruption only occurs when there are transactions or negotiations involving money,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“The results of our analysis found that the younger generation still does not understand that other crimes such as abuse of power, bribery in the form of sex and gifts are also corruption.

“When they do not know the meaning of corruption, they can easily make mistakes,” he added.

Lim said the data collection process was done for six months throughout Malaysia involving young adults aged 18 to 35 years.

The researchers also proposed five measures for the development of anti-corruption education in the country, including explaining the forms of corruption and abuse of power.

“We should continue to set the best example and practice integrity in politics.

“This is because the youth associate politics with corruption when politics is an important element in our democratic institutions.

“We should also make it clear that not all politicians are involved in corruption,” he said.

Lim said there were still many politicians who adhered to the principles of anti-corruption, including not accepting gifts from anyone.

“Such practices are not known to the public and should be preached as an example to other politicians and society in general,” he said.

Lim said bribery given for something in return should also be made public.

“Many think money or gifts in advance without expecting an immediate return is not categorised as bribery.

“This should also be included in anti-corruption education so that the younger generation is knowledgeable and understands about all types of corruption,” he said.

Negative phrases such as dishonesty, illegality or fraud linked to corruption should be planted in the minds of the younger generation so that they are not rationalised in later days to legitimise corruption, Lim said.

“There is a chance for the youth to forget these negative phrases in the future according to our research.

“So by exposing them to the dangers of corruption, the younger generation will be more mindful when they become leaders,” he said.

According to the research group, all the recommendations should be given attention by the government, industry players, schools, and civil society and welfare groups serious about anti-corruption education.

“All parties should play their respective roles in channeling information and knowledge related to anti-corruption for the sake of our younger generation who will one day lead the country,” he said. – March 16, 2022.