I refer to the letter Graft incidence getting worse . Indeed, it is a terrible state of affairs now in our country. It is not some minor grassroots staffer who asks for a bribe but many on the top wanting 'consultancy fees'.

We are a reputable company that is a joint-venture between Malaysians and others from abroad. We have fulfilled all our statutory requirements in order to move in some funds from overseas (from the personal funds of one of our associate partners) so that we can kick off.

Alas ... some functionary from somewhere upstairs apparently needs 'consultancy fees' and will not approve the movement of legal funds.

I hope our prime minister reads this and come out with a flexible system sanctioned only by Bank Negara to enable foreign funds to come in without much fuss to finance legally-approved business ventures.

This must be done without the interference of foolish and greedy politicians, police and other self-interested parties including Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) members.

What is the use of calling for Malaysians to be entrepreneurial, self-supporting and innovative when unscrupulous persons of influence and power override rules and ignore procedures while citing anti-money laundering initiatives as an excuse?