Much attention has been focused lately on a self-serving Klang municipal councillor. Many of us are outraged by his shameless abuse of public position, made worse by his arrogance and complete absence of remorse.

However, as the press ferrets out even more sordid details of his malversation, it is important that we not overlook the wider context in which he has been given free rein to do his will

What were the other councillors doing all this while, allowing this maverick unbridled leeway? Isn't the council chairman not guilty of gross dereliction of his statutory duty of care for the residents of Klang? Why is the menteri besar so nonchalant in dealing with such scandalous behaviour, giving us the impression that it is all just a storm in a teacup?

Are the people of Klang such a sorry lot that the menteri besar cannot find sufficient suitable persons to serve as municipal councillors, without having to press into service two or more persons from the same family?

Any attempt to find answers to these questions would inevitable draw one to the conclusion that the Klang Municipal Council is corrupt to the core, and that the menteri besar's office is either inept or equally corrupt to allow this state of affairs to have persisted for so long, until it was shaken out of its apathy by the persistence of the press.

Therefore, the only honourable thing left to do (if indeed there is any honour left) for all of them to resign.

As for ill-gotten and illegal mansion of the maverick councillor, it is best that it be taken over by the municipal council (without any compensation) and put to use as a public amenity and as a reminder to the people of their responsibility to hold their councillors responsible for their actions.

This is not about just about getting rid of one man, it is about overhauling a total system that has been systemically tainted with the poison of corruption.