THE cultural acceptance of corrupt practices, especially among the younger generation, is worrying, said Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai.

He said Malaysia should work hard to banish the normalisation and culturalisation of corruption.

“This is corruption at a lower level,” he told a press conference today.

“I think that corruption culture, even at a simplistic level, is a cause for concern as these people may become enforcers, join police or the Customs Department. They may become civil servants.

They will join companies and may facilitate or practise corruption within those companies, he added.

Tharma was speaking at the unveiling of the People’s Agenda for GE15 initiative.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Action 2020 survey found that 55% of Malaysian youth actively participate in bribes when given the opportunity.

Tharma said it is important to fight corruption and cronyism for the betterment of the country.

The future generation, starting from the youth today, should be an anti-graft generation, he added.

“We want to build a country that is future-proof and has strong institutions; a country that we can trust, where taxpayers’ money is used in an efficient and effective manner to ensure less leakage.

“We will be able to then use money and resources in the best possible way to help affected and marginalised communities.

“I think the key element, the big puzzle in terms of solving all this, is to fight against corruption and cronyism.”

Besides Undi18, representatives from five other civil society groups – Aliran, Sabah-based Pacos Trust, Sarawak-based Save Rivers, Suaram and Malaysian Academics Movement – were also present at the unveiling, where five key points were announced.

The key points are to uphold the dignity and quality of life of the people; address climate change, and promote equitable and sustainable development; celebrate diversity and inclusivity; save democracy and uphold the rule of law; and, fight corruption and cronyism.

Tharma said it is important to explain the meaning of corruption to the public as politicians are abusing the term “political funding” and getting away with corruption.

These same politicians cannot be charged for the so-called “political funding” due to loopholes in the law, he added.

“Corruption is not merely ‘duit kopi’ or the exchange of a small sum under the table; this is what people understand.

“But larger scale corruption (includes) political corruption that political parties conduct to fund and build their supporter base.

“There are politicians who have done things that are clearly unethical by any standard of moral behaviour, yet it is difficult to prosecute them as we do not have the legal language and protection to say that is a criminal activity.

“I think many people do not understand these bigger issues and complex ecosystems.”

Tharma said Undi18 is working with Rasuah Busters to implement and institutionalise core anti-corruption practices, reforms and laws.

“This includes a national anti-corruption plan and political funding act to ensure there is better enforcement by the Election Commission and MACC in terms of financial fair play during elections.”

At the same press conference, Aliran president Anil Netto said Malaysians should vote for candidates who show commitment to the five key points.

“We call on political parties and candidates to put the people and country first.

“They should work together in an electoral pact based on these five points and avoid multi-cornered fights for the sake of the nation.”

The initiative will remain open for endorsement by other civil society groups until the general election, so it reaches a wider audience, he added.

Anil said the initiative will be sent to all political parties at the end of the month and again when the general election is announced. – April 25, 2022.