KUALA LUMPUR: The youth are particularly vulnerable to the culture of corruption due to factors like the rising cost of living.
To counter this trend, Johor Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy director Senior Assistant Commissioner Sheikh Hamadi Sheikh Abdul Hamid emphasises the importance of early awareness and education to eliminate this negative culture.
Speaking at the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) 2023 event at Southern University College, Sheikh Hamadi stressed the need to instil anti-corruption and integrity values in students.
The goal is to nurture a generation free from corruption, contributing positively to the nation, he said.
Sheikh Hamadi highlighted corruption as a long-standing global crime with severe consequences, outlining its detrimental effects on national development, the economy, and social issues such as poverty and injustice.
"Among the effects of corruption crimes are the lack of transparency in administration and increase of criminal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking cases."
He added that to curb, eradicate and prevent corruption, all communities must join hands and play their respective roles.
"The solution to our corruption problem must come from all of us, individually and collectively. We must all take a stand and condemn corruption regardless of who is involved.
"We must reject corruption and report it to relevant authorities. Only then will we achieve a corruption-free Malaysia," he said.
He added that efforts to prevent and fight corruption must also be extended to other platforms or media where the public can channel information about corruption crimes.
Sheikh Hamadi said the crime of corruption has been proven to affect society.
"By preventing corruption, the country's development towards economic and political stability, the safety and well-being of society can be achieved."
In addition, he said the government have a responsibility to provide an effective whistleblower protection policy to protect whistleblowers.
"This step will also contribute towards effective, responsible, transparent, integrity and fair institutions."