Sudah lama memakai gelang

Gelang berukir sirama-rama

Harimau mati meninggalkan belang

Manusia mati meninggalkan nama

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his exasperation to nudge Malays out of their complacency, once remarked that 99 percent of all buildings in Kuala Lumpur belonged to the Chinese although Malays claimed Malaysia was theirs.

Interestingly, the former PM and author of the 'Malay Dilemma' didn't quite fathom the fact that Malays weren't really raised to target themselves to own property or worldly riches. On the contrary, as Muslims, it was hammered into their psyche since childhood that this world was temporary and their filial duty was to do the greatest good on earth before they return to their maker.

Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, counsel for former land and cooperative minister Kasitah Gaddam, recently described that former Anti-Corruption Agency Sabah chief Mohamad Ramli Abdul Manan was an "insane person" and that his action was like a "runaway train" during a court hearing. The defence counsel was further reported to be contemplating to apply for leave to initiate contempt proceedings against Ramli. Perhaps Shafee has failed to note that Ramli thinks as a common Malay. For him, doing a job honourably appears to be of great importance.

To undergo the silent humiliation of being 'cold storaged' for doing his job to the best of his ability is undoubtedly a deep insult to his honour and integrity which he may value more then life itself. He lives a simple life and in a modest home.

If there was indeed a runaway train, it has to be that train running all the way downhill taking with it Malaysia's free falling corruption index and economy. Perhaps people like Ramli are the ones who may yet illustrate to Malaysian society that exemplary values in society are more important than all the riches in the world.

Perhaps for Ramli to defend and leave a good name is a greater priority even if it means having to risk, or being intimidated, with contempt charges.