I call on voters of six state polls in Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu on August 12 to endorse the Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim’s Ekonomi Madani for Malaysia to be among the top 25 countries with least corruption.
This will mean that apart from Singapore, which was ranked No. 5, Hong Kong ranked 12, Japan ranked 19, in the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2022, Malaysia is likely to overtake Bhutan ranked 25, Taiwan ranked 26, United Arab Emirates ranked 28, South Korea ranked 32, Qatar ranked 40, Saudi Arabia ranked 56, Mauritius ranked 58 and Jordan ranked 60, in future TI CPI as Malaysia was ranked No. 61 in the TI CPI 2022.
If this target is achieved, it will be Malaysia’s best result in the annual TI CPI in three decades as Malaysia’s best result in the annual TI CPI was to be ranked No. 23 out of 41 countries in its first TI CPI in 1995. Since then, though the number of countries ranked have increased to 180 nations, Malaysia’s ranking continue to degrade until it fell to rank No. 62 in 2021 and No. 61 in 2022.
Corruption is condemned by all religions although there are political opportunists who tried to give it a racial or religious twist.
Corruption, in all its forms, is a serious offense against the principles of Islam and the values it upholds.
Islam, as a divine and compassionate religion, emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of life. The Quran explicitly condemns corruption and warns against those who spread mischief on the earth. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188) states, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].”
Islam calls upon its followers to be just and upright in their dealings, regardless of their status or authority.
Corruption is against all religious and ethical teachings of great religions and philosophies of life.
At its core, for instance, Buddhism promotes ethical behaviour, compassion, and the cultivation of wisdom to alleviate suffering and attain enlightenment.
Corruption, on the other hand, refers to dishonest or unethical conduct by individuals in positions of power or authority, typically for personal gain. It involves the misuse of entrusted power for selfish purposes, which can harm society and undermine the principles of justice and fairness.
Christianity, like any other major religion, addresses the issue of corruption and its impact on society.
In Christian teachings, corruption is seen as a sinful behaviour and a departure from the values and principles that Jesus Christ taught.
The Bible includes various passages that condemn corrupt practices and emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and justice.
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions and has a rich philosophical and ethical tradition. The foundational texts of Hinduism, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and others, emphasize moral principles, righteousness and the pursuit of truth.
Corruption is also a violation of the moral and ethical Confucian principles of Ren (仁) (Often translated as “benevolence” or “humaneness,” this concept emphasizes compassion, empathy, and moral virtue toward others); Yi (义) (Signifies righteousness and the sense of doing what is morally right and just) and Li (礼) (Refers to the practice of proper conduct, rituals, and etiquette. It emphasizes the importance of respecting social norms and hierarchies.)
Acts of corruption often involve a lack of moral integrity, honesty and the abuse of power or position for personal gain, which go against Confucian values.
Corruption is also against Taoism, which indirectly discourages corrupt behaviours that disrupt the harmony with the Tao (the Way).
Sikhism also denounces corruption as Sikhism condemns dishonesty, exploitation and any form of unethical behaviour.
As all religions and the great philosophies condemn corruption, it is a proper and fit subject for all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region, to unite and to support Anwar’s Ekonomi Madani to make Malaysia one of the top countries in the world in fighting corruption.