I REFER to “Integrity test for agencies” (NST, 24 June) and congratulate the National Key Results Area (NKRA) anti-corruption division, which has proposed the government implement integrity tests for all enforcement agency personnel, in particular, those involved in border security.
It is a thankless job, combating corruption. It is easy to accuse someone of corruption, but it is not easy to pin him down, despite the person having a lifestyle far beyond his means.
Corruption is all about Maslow's basic needs and opportunity. When the need is high and the opportunity is there, no amount of religious talks or integrity seminar can deter a man from succumbing to corruption.
It requires a person with very strong integrity to withstand the offer of money, especially big money, with gorgeous women thrown in the package.
In most cases, man, being but a mere mortal and having to fulfil many basic needs, is easily tempted to compromise on his principles.
That a man falls for corruption has something to do with the established culture of the organisation. Everyone is on the take and, therefore, he is forced to be part of that culture.
Corruption is not a palatable subject and many choose not to speak about it. They would rather mind their own business.
Those who do talk about it are deemed sour grapes. But, when they are in that environment, chances are they will be worse that those they accuse.
It is the responsibility of the government to put in place elements of good governance.
The government has been chosen by the people and are expected to do the job of eradicating corruption, no matter how impossible it may seem.
The irony is that the same people who abet corruption by harbouring illegal immigrants, are involved in human trafficking, producing fake passports, siphoning diesel, etc.
Like prostitution, corruption cannot be eradicated completely, especially in developing countries. It can only be contained.
So the noble efforts by the NKRA anti-corruption division is laudable.
At the same time, they must be given protection, as they are playing a game where everything is fair play.
Hassan Talib, Gombak, Selangor