I refer to the report PM: Accept challenge to enhance integrity.

While I sincerely laud the initiative of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to set up the Institute of Integrity Malaysia, I cannot but question how it will work in a political and economic climate that is so steeped in corruption and other malpractices.

Against this backdrop, one cannot be faulted if one is cynical and amused over the fact that Nov 5 has been declared as National Integrity Day.

We are now being told that this is to send a message to society that it is important to curb corruption as a way of life to build up integrity and good values is the long term.

I find it just amazing that despite all the corruption, the political indecisiveness, the slackening economic climate, the loss of confidence, the ugly head of racism surfacing repeatedly and the turning of Parliament into a rubber stamp, we still have the time to declare a National Integrity Day.

To make matters worse, the declaration comes amidst the presence of entrenched corruption in all levels of society, a problem which has still not received a response from our 'powers-that-be'.

It would seem that there are some who are more interested in publicity stunts and rhetoric and want to set up more monuments like the Institute of Integrity as if such a foundation is the answer to all the woes that we are facing today.