LETTER | Harapkan pegar, pegar makan padi. It is a Malay proverb simply translated as the people we trust, betray us.

Based on the complaints received by the MACC between 2013 and 2018, the enforcement sector is the second-highest in the list prone to corruption. Normally through receiving illicit monthly payments as an inducement not to take action and tip-offs on any planned raids.

Over the weekend, Malaysians were shocked watching a viral video (above) by "Hot Burger Malaysia" (HBM) claiming that police and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) were allegedly in cahoots with illegal gambling syndicates. Immediate response from the Sungai Buloh police described the allegations as untrue and inaccurate and reports were lodged against HBM on the grounds that the clips could be defamatory.

Police have denied allegations of inaction by citing statistics showing that until July, 40 raids were conducted and 132 arrests made for gambling in the district. For 2019, up to 91 raids and 107 arrests were made. In a raid in 2018, police seized 260 gambling simulators from a warehouse in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh. Between January and May 2018, police conducted more than 400 raids statewide.

While credit is due to the police for all their efforts in conducting raids, it begs the question of its efficiency and effectiveness. After hundreds of raids, how many were brought to the courts and how many were convicted? These statistics will lend credence to the success rate in reducing crimes.

What is more disturbing is that HBM had filed previous reports after which his identity was revealed to the kingpins. He even notified the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department but it seems no concrete action was taken.

The public feels more vulnerable with no one to depend on. If the public is to respect the law, they must be confident that enforcement officers themselves adhere to law and order.

Among the questions that need urgent answers include:

• Are corruption and misconduct prevalent among enforcement and non-enforcement personnel in other states too?
  
  
• Were there stringent selection processes and proper training for the officers?
  
  
• What encouraged them to accept bribes? 

Imagine if it was the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ); it may result in serious and fatal accidents due to involvement in corrupt acts and misconduct.

From the corrupt official’s perspective, they occupy relatively important positions but are not duly remunerated. Hence, they engage in “rent-seeking”, enriching themselves and the giver but not society as a whole. Further, the punishment is lax and worse when their superiors are also doing it.

It has to be noted that the behaviour of a kleptocrat is followed closely by subordinates and the problem will multiply and in the long term, could bring about the collapse of an economy. Money that corrupt officials or givers put in their pockets is money stolen from the public who need better healthcare, education and other development projects.

There is hope when the inspector-general of police gave his personal and urgent attention to HBM. So did the home minister and they promised stern action against those involved, including HBM, if they had flouted any regulations as a whistleblower.

I am surprised by the statement from the minister because HBM stated he had made reports up to Bukit Aman. I think the minister should focus on the people who received the reports but did not act accordingly. Next is to propose to Parliament a review of the Whistleblower Protection Act to ensure all quarters are brought to justice.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 applies to both the private sector and to public bodies/officers of a public body. For serious bribery, the penalty is imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum/value of the gratification.

The minister could also propose for a review of the penalty since it did act as a deterrent especially for a recent case involving an ex-prime minister. And let us also push for specific laws governing political contributions.

What we urgently need now is the proposed Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission. The idea was mooted in 2005 and a bill was submitted to Parliament last year.

We also need a strong political will and independent and well-functioning institutions that are not subjected to influence from politicians. Hopefully, our politicians will stop fighting for positions and focus on the various issues at hand.

So ubiquitous is corruption in Thailand that in 2015, the Thai group, Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) created a "Museum of Thai Corruption" at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre. Do we want one here as well?

There is a lot to be done and I am pretty sure the public will give their support and cooperation.

Else, it will be like this:

Teacher: 'One day our country will be corruption free'. In which tense is this? 

Student: Future impossible tense.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.