The passing into law this week of the new Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 is to be applauded - with one significant reservation.

A major stumbling block remains in the way of the new law being enforced - corruption, in other words, Perhilitan; it has still not been completely purged of corruption and until this government department is, it will never be trusted by NGO's or the public at large.

Throughout 2010 Perhilitan was repeatedly named and shamed in the world's press, including the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

Criticisms of Perhilitan and its DWNP paymasters ranged from covering up widespread corruption, being incompetent, careless, unprofessional and uncaring about wildlife and unworthy of any respect.

Things could scarcely be worse for Perhilitan and the tarnished reputation of a Malaysia now viewed internationally as a major international hub for the illegal wildlife trade.

Now we wait and watch to see if Perhilitan will continue to suppress the dozens of complaints, all still admissible, concerning animal cruelty it received in 2010, citing as it did, the need to wait for the new Wildlife Act to come into force.

Now they have the new Wildlife Conservation Act, will Perhilitan have the guts and personal integrity to walk their talk or, will it be business as usual for the illegal wildlife trade and those who are cruel to animals, with Perhilitan and DWNP continuing to turn a blind eye?

One thing is certain, Perhilitan's performance in 2011 will remain under close scrutiny by the media and NGO's.