Don't perform mental acrobatics to deny corruption 'elephant' - Perak sultan

Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has cautioned the public against being in denial about corruption, an action which he considered a “disease” and “cancerous” outbreak within the society.

He said that corruption works in such a way that it spreads little by little, enervating an organisational structure one by one - until it becomes paralysed if not immediately treated.

“Therefore, we cannot take it lightly, be complacent and choose to be in denial, conceiving all kinds of justification – performing mental acrobatics to deny the existence of the corruption ‘elephant’ that is vividly happening in front of our eyes.

“An honest assessment of corruption should be mandatory – sincere and objective – based on facts, as proof that we are truly serious in fighting and combatting even to the point of totally eliminating corruption.

“We are obligated to be bold in acknowledging the ongoing reality of corruption that has reached critical and dangerous levels, based on the repeated warnings contained in the Auditor-General’s Report and various findings by the Public Accounts Committee,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin said this at the launch of the book entitled, Korupsi dan Kemunafikan dalam Politik Melayu; Perlunya Disegerakan Transformasi Moral Etika by Mohd Kamal Hassan today.

He reminded that out of 180 countries that had been evaluated by Transparency International, Malaysia fell from the 57th position, earning a score of 52 in 2020, to 62nd place with a score of 48 in 2021, and now has been grouped with two-thirds of the countries that earned a score below 50.

In addition, the monarch said the number of complaints and grievances reported to the MACC, exposures contained in surat layang (anonymous letters penned by whistleblowers) and media reports on corrupt acts should be regarded as an indicator of the rampant corruption culture.

“In fact, even the potholes on the roads, clogged drains, collapsed buildings, leaking roofs, environmental degradation, illegal encroachment, poorly managed parks - all of which have their own distinctive languages that communicate the message concerning the standard and state of governance today,” Sultan Nazrin said.

The ruler did not go into specifics in his speech.

However, after former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was sent to jail by the Federal Court on Aug 23, many people, particularly Umno leaders and supporters, attempted to denounce the court ruling, alleging that he was not accorded a fair trial.

In his speech, Sultan Nazrin lauded Kamal for not mincing his words in his latest book despite possible backlash by some in the Malay community.

Malays cautious in reproaching

“The author chose two keywords - corruption and hypocrisy - courageously linking these two strong words with Malay politics to be part of the book’s title.

The Malays are famed for the culture of metaphors, figurative rhetoric, parallelisms and poetic flourish.

“In desiring to protect feeling and sentiments, Malays are typically very cautious in expressing reproach.

“Some even say, metaphorically, to be prepared to punish their own flesh and blood although the source of anger is actually external, such as the in-laws. This indirectness reflects this typical cautious approach.

“Indeed, the author’s approach represents a new one that is out of the norm – out of the community’s cultural ‘box’. The author faces the risk of incurring indignation of some within the Malay community, especially those who ‘feel the heat’, so to speak.

“Nonetheless, the author is prepared to face those risks because of his desire for the community to be jolted, so as to be awakened from their slumber and complacency.

“The author hopes to urgently alert the race and nation that they are encountering a ‘virus’ that is very inimical and, in many ways, much more dangerous than Covid-19,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin also cheered on activists involved in anti-corruption movements, saying they must have strong spirits and emulate the spirit of the Ashabul Kahfi.

Also known as the Seven Sleepers, Ashabul Kahfi is a medieval legend about a group of youths who hid inside a cave for 300 years, demonstrating the qualities of patience, knowledge, faith and gratitude.

The Perak ruler said that in the effort to fight for truth and what is right, there must be a belief in the greatness of God's power and His divine promise.

He added that with the harm that has hit the country due to corruption, there is a need for more “murabbi” (educators) to come forward with an anti-corruption message.

“These special teachers play a very important role in educating and nurturing spiritual and moral awareness.

“The ‘murabbis’ need to emphasise the importance of the ummah (Muslim community) in having sincere qualities because a righteous ummah will not be able to be swayed, deceived or influenced by the devil,” he said.

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