The many reports on incidents of fraud, crime and cheating indicates Malaysia's blessings are being overshadowed by a degrading reputation. A nation that progressed on virtues and values is now being threatened by profiteering, con-men, greedy citizens and a weakening workforce.

The number of reported instances of how Malaysians and foreign nationals in the country are cheating include:

Fake drugs, including Tamiflu

Smuggled fowl through our borders despite the on-going threat of an avian flu pandemic

Fake RM1 coins that has now forced the government to remove it from circulation

Pirated CDs thriving despite the long battle by the authorities

Credit card fraudsters

Passport cheats

In addition, we have civil servants including high-ranking officers charged for corruption. Add to that the report on the police force made by the royal commission. Smuggling is still an unending battle for the authorities. Walk along Petaling Street to see the fake products being sold for which we are known the world over.

And if all these are not enough, let us not lose sight of other shortcomings that attest to some form of greed if not cheating:

Falling rankings of our institutions of higher learning

Losing out in oil palm to a newcomer country

Workers losing out on their competitive ability

Traders hoarding goods at the slightest speculation of price hikes

Developers not delivering on their promises made on glossy brochures and colourful banner.

MyKad errors dismissed as suspected 'mischief'

Loan sharks stalking borrowers despite warnings by authorities

This country was once the pride of the region. Today, despite its world-class structures and facilities including roads and airports, our road accident statistics drag us into the gutter. We have visionary leaders who are giving us hope through Islam Hadhari and a National Integrity Plan. But we need to go beyond campaigns. We need a national agenda with a will so strong that every citizen will march onwards to fight the greed and corruption that is beginning to be cancerous in our midst.

Perhaps politicians should put aside their divergent views and give foremost priority to closing ranks in a showdown against the greed that seems to permeate every corner of society. Perhaps we should mark the start of the new year soon with an all-out war against our many weaknesses before it is too late.

We certainly cannot let the toils and sacrifices of our forefathers and our rich heritage be overtaken by the ever increasing thievery, greed and corruption. Our first challenge is to say unequivocally that we must clean up our act. Hiding behind explanations and making demands of 'show us proof first' will only speed up the current, relentless chipping away at the pillars of our nation.