The Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) today expressed its intention of wanting to work with the government to battle against corruption.

This was the main resolution passed by MTEM on the last day of its three-day ‘Malay Economics Summit 2014 ( Sidang Kemuncak Ekonomi Melayu 2014 )’ in Port Dickson.

MTEM chief executive officer Mohd Nizam Mahshar said the organisation wants to see a fair distribution of wealth and eliminate corruption wastage that have caused the disparity among Malay and non-Malay entrepreneurs, the rich and poor, and the urban and rural communities.

“We believe the majority of non-bumiputera and urban Malays are not dissatisfied and do not want such a balance to be kept, and that stability is forged once again.

“But the perception (out there is) that there are rampant wastage corruptions,” he stressed.

Mohd Nizam ( left ) noted that corruption is a “severe impediment to economic growth, and a significant challenge for developed, emerging and developing countries”.

“Corruption has become a threat to the function of our political system, our social cohesion and our national status.

“Thus, MTEM definitely felt the need and sense to have a special responsibility to prevent and tackle corruption, to establish legal and policy frameworks that promote a clean business environment and more importantly, to partner with the government in their capacity-building efforts to combat corruption,” he added.

Elaborating further, he said, “Zero corruption clearly brings a healthy message as it benefits primarily the poor, improves the quality of life and increases the credibility of politicians, institutions and the political system.

“It will also increase the meritocracy and credibility of government choices.”

More than a ‘watchdog’

“In an economical view, transparency in business dealings supports development and healthy competition as it develops entrepreneurship as well as attracts investment.

“In this regard, MTEM wants to move on from being a mere ‘watchdog’ and really look forward to establish the importance of working together and complementing existing instruments to end corruption,” said Mohd Nizam.

He also conveyed MTEM’s gratitude for Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Abu Kassim Mohamed’s ( right ) decision to join them in their cause.

On another note, Mohd Nizam commented about the issue of the rising cost of living in the country.

“The issue that is mostly discussed (by the public) now is the rise of living cost.

“China is an example - how they drive on their austerity plans and make sure that the distribution of wealth is running smoothly.

“Among the things done in China is (the fact that) they are clamping down on corruption,” said Mohd Nizam.

Malaysiakini queried Mohd Nizam on his views about the government’s tendency to compare the price differences of goods in other countries like Singapore (oil and sugar) whenever price hike issues are raised up, although the income of Singaporeans is not the same with Malaysians.

To which, he opined that the income of the average Malaysian is stagnant.

“That is the key problem that we found. The cost of living is improving, but the income (of Malaysians) is stagnant. For the last 10 years, our income has stagnated.”