Impunity refers to exemption from punishment, harm or loss. People talk about laws flouted with impunity, meaning the failure to bring perpetrators of violations to justice. What an apt theme for an International Conference on Corruption hosted in Malaysia in September. The theme is relevant to current developments in Malaysia. Perhaps, it is too close to the prime minister’s skin that he has withdrawn from opening the event and sends his apologist as a replacement.

Many in Malaysia are disgusted with events of recent weeks and months. Much has been written about this by ordinary men and women, writers, politicians and journalists. Disgusted with the sheer disregard for institutions and accountability, Bersih 4 has now launched its march into the city.

Yes, Malaysians, people of all backgrounds, faiths, young and old are taking a stand not only nationally but also in different countries. They are standing up for integrity, taking action to end impunity in the exercise of power by our leaders. The travesty done to justice and fairness cannot continue without a response from citizens.

In any other mature democratic nation the prime minister would have resigned. He would have been held accountable by his party and national institutions of governance. However in Malaysia any attempt to exert independence is thwarted. Under the pretext of race and religion the ruling party seems to accept such conduct and behaviour.

An independent task force set up to investigate issues relating to the RM2.6 billion donation and 1MDB was dismissed with impunity. The sheer arrogance of the executive has crossed boundaries beyond honesty and integrity. Any prime minister worth his credibility would have resigned to clear his name. Not so in Malaysia, he leads and has his cronies echoing the many lies that continue to be spouted on citizens.

From donations, to support from a brother Islamic nation, fighting IS, to opposing Jewish influence, the stories get more ludicrous the more it is interpreted by one crony after another. The idea is to blur people’s focus from the real issue which is the gross misuse of 1MDBfunds.

It is amazing because politicians within Umno do not seem to question the lies that are being perpetuated. What a sad day for a party that has helmed this nation for so long. Day by day the credibility of the party is hurt by the increasing trust deficit that is evident. How long will the party continue to carry such a liability or are they so weak that there are no leaders to deal with the impunity exhibited by the present leader of the party.

Khairy Jamaluddin, the leader of Umno Youth and an Oxford University graduate, does not seem to have the moral and ethical spine to take a clear and ethical position. Stand up for what is right. You may lose in the short term but many will remember your moral courage. Time is still on his side and if he can provide a vision and a goal beyond race there is a future worth considering in the context of political developments in the country.

Anyone with a moral compass can tell that a grave wrong is being inflicted on the nation’s integrity. Yet, even Parliament cannot be called to debate this issue. What does this say about our Parliament and the ruling coalition, about our speaker and the legislature? Other parties who are part of the ruling coalition are also finding the subject too hot, hence their silence.

Silence seems to be a better option

For the sake of sharing power, silence seems to be a better option. Moral corruption is equally bad and they will pay a high price as some of their supporters will expect them to stand up and be counted on issues that are so blatantly wrong. In a political culture where money and patronage are important, many good men and women sacrifice their convictions for enrichment and titles.

This is the greed glue that holds them together in silence which feeds the leader with the power for impunity.

When politicians act with impunity, have no respect for the people, when integrity is trespassed then people of goodwill who have deep love for the nation must stand up for the greater good. This is the action that Bersih 4 spearheads. This is the people’s response to intransigence on the part of the executive. Every avenue is blocked and investigators are transferred, people are removed from office and many fear to speak the truth.

Freedom calls us to take a stand. Our parents and grandparents fought for Merdeka from colonial rule. Our is a more difficult task as the challenge is to increase the space for freedom, justice and democracy that is being denied by a leadership that does not enjoy the popular vote and is in power through gerrymandering the electoral process.

In addition they have confessed to getting RM2.6 billion allegedly for election purposes which further implies that they bought the last elections.

The nation has been down this slippery road for some time but one never expected events to turn this bad. When a party in power does not practice ‘democracy’ internally is it too much of a surprise for them to act in the manner they have done? This further endows the leaders with the power of impunity.

Is our prime minister above the law? He is made so by people who seem unable to act be it the attorney-general, the police and those regulatory institutions that should provide the necessary checks and balance. Why is this so?

A system is only as good as the people who speak, act and give power to their convictions. Good people are enablers of the system. A lack of character distorts any good system. What is the use of ‘Transformation’ when the statistics can all be cooked?

We all know that security remains a great Malaysian concern but our transformation guru can indicate otherwise. Say this to the many victims, the stories we read and the events that take place which are today communicated so quickly.

Even untruths can be glossed up

Much is manipulated and public relations is used negatively. Even untruth can be glossed up and PR is used to paint credibility on an individual who lacks it. Ultimately good public relations is about telling the truth and being open and transparent with all the target publics. Where do we see evidence of this happening in Malaysia? In Malaysia the perception is that PR can be used to justify untruth by painting several scenarios that then blurs the real truth.

The time has come for real patriots to challenge the powers that be from all sectors of the community including those with conscience within Umno. We must send a clear signal that such impunity will not be tolerated. If Umno does not have the moral spine then Malaysians will have to articulate this message nationally and internationally.

The International Conference on Corruption should not be an avenue for mere diplomacy. We hope that they will have the moral courage to censure what is happening in Malaysia if they are really serious about corruption.

Honesty is at the personal level. When a politician practises this in his relationships with his family, at work and in all that he does including the political arena then one speaks of such a person as exhibiting integrity.

Integrity is more than personal honesty. When a finance minister is unable to honestly share details about an amount of RM2.6 billion in his personal account than this is both very concerning and serious. When he then justifies this with spin then trust is sacrificed.

It becomes even more serious when the stories around this account are elaborated by different cronies all with the intention of protecting the image of their leader.

Wilful silence gives the leader the idea that he can get away and so he acts with greater impunity at great cost to the nation, its integrity and credibility. At moments like this silence is not the option. Action is needed and all of us should take steps to do what we can.

For some this may be to write to their MPs, others it may be to participate in Bersih 4, write letters and comments to the press, take action like the students have done so to do a sit down protest at Parliament. Every little thing that we do contributes and is needed at a time like this to shift the critical mass to a tipping point.

One appreciates the sense of fear that is always there in the background. Yet it is better to have done something that to sit silent. This is the price for responsible citizenship. We owe this to ourselves, the community and to the nation. The cause is big and many in the police force also know what is happening.

They are not our enemies and we need to move in good faith. The issue at heart is the integrity of the nation. Democracy calls for vigilance and we now have an opportunity to renew the spirit of ‘Merdeka’ and convey to the leadership that in a democracy power ultimately rests with the people. To be involved in such a cause will give pride to your children and grandchildren for you stood up when the nation needed it. This is integrity in action.