KUALA LUMPUR: Corruption watchdog groups are cautioning the government for worsening corruption in the public sector which could hold back Malaysia from moving up the world Corruption Perception Index (CPI) rankings.
Transparency International Malaysia president Dr Muhammad Mohan, in a statement, cited several incidents of corruption involving civil servants that had recently made headlines, one being the 34 customs officers involved in a smuggling scheme.
"Today we hear about customs officers involved in facilitating smuggling contraband items which may have resulted in a RM2 billion loss.
"Yesterday an Israeli spy entered the country with 6 pistols passing immigration, customs and security. Last week we heard about a senior police officer involved in corruption," he said.
He added that with no signs of improvement, he doubts moving up to the 25th spot in the global CPI rankings in the next decade would be possible.
"(The) issue of civil servants getting arrested for corruption seems to be never ending news in Malaysia. So it is no surprise that the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) which is a measure of public sector corruption remains a struggle for Malaysia to show improvement.
"The Prime Minister has set a vision for Malaysia to reach the top 25 in global ranking in the CPI in 10 years time. Can we achieve this if we do the same thing again and again and expect different results?"
The dwindling public trust in enforcement agencies, Mohan said, is made worse by such acts of corruption which is why the Whistleblower Protection Act (2010) needs to be amended.
"Remember, these are enforcement agencies and when the public knows about any wrongdoings how will they trust public institutions to report ?
"This is the reason why the Whistleblower Protection Act (2010) needs to be amended so that an independent body is formed (Ombudsman Office) to receive these complaints and channel them to the respective agencies.
"At the moment the public will never trust these agencies and therefore less people are willing to come forward to whistleblow."
Anti-corruption and good governance consultant K Sudhagaran echoed similar views on corruption too, saying that the very people entrusted with upholding the law have failed to serve.
"It is disheartening to learn that individuals entrusted with upholding the law and protecting our national interests have succumbed to the lure of illicit gains at the expense of the nation's revenue and integrity," he said referring to the arrest of the 34 customs officers linked to the recent multi-billion dollar smuggling of tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, and other goods facilitated in exchange for bribes.
"This crime has not only caused billions of losses in revenues to the government but has also exposed Malaysians to health risk. Smuggled goods may not undergo the same quality control measures and regulatory checks as legally imported products. Many of these products are also imitation or fake brands being sold in stores, pubs and clubs.
Sudhagaran, who is also the former Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) deputy CEO, added that this poses a threat to people's health from consuming counterfeit products.
"There is a huge black market demand in the entertainment industry, where consumers are being sold these products. The profit margin is high for these businesses. They buy a fake bottle of whisky for around RM50 and sell it for RM 400 in the Pub. This is good money. As a result, consumers may be exposed to substandard or counterfeit products, posing serious health risks from contaminated substances over a prolonged period of time."
He highlighted that it is imperative that the investigation of the officers proceeds swiftly and thoroughly, to ensure accountability and justice.
"Those found guilty must face the full extent of the law, sending a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
"Authorities must also conduct regular checks on entertainment outlets to ensure that no counterfeit substances are being sold there. Premise owners must be held accountable and face the law too.
"This case also underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive anti-corruption measures, including robust oversight mechanisms, enhanced transparency, and integrity-building initiatives within our enforcement agencies."