KUALA LUMPUR: The call by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay not to equate corruption with race is timely and commendable, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said many people fall into the trap that classifies race with habits and behaviour that harm the nation and are unproductive.
"There is no evidence, scientific or otherwise, that anti-social or destructive behaviour is the defining feature of a single race," said the Alliance for a Safe Community chairman.
"Let us take a cue from the Deputy IGP and stop making racial stereotypes that only help to impede nation building," he added when contacted on Sunday (Aug 11).
Lee then said that corruption is the result of greed and lack of moral standing and added that it must be recognised as such and dealt with accordingly.
"This is important because, as the senior police officer says, corruption has replaced narcotics abuse as the number one enemy of the nation.
"Corruption is a societal ill that transcends ethnic and other boundaries and affects people of all backgrounds and faiths," he said.
Lee said by addressing corruption collectively rather than assigning blame based on religious lines, there is a greater chance of effectively combating it.
"Let’s promote a sense of unity and shared responsibility among all citizens regardless of their religious or racial affiliations to enable us to strengthen social cohesion and harmony," said Lee.
He added that blaming a specific group based on religion or ethnicity can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
"It can create division and animosity within society, thus hindering efforts to address the root causes of corruption and take remedial measures," he said.
Recognising corruption as a pressing issue reflects a growing awareness of its far-reaching consequences on the overall well-being of society, he added.
"By involving civil society, media and individuals in the fight against corruption, Malaysia can empower its citizens to demand accountability and contribute to a more transparent and accountable society," he said.
In a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday (Aug 7), the Deputy IGP had said a true Muslim with a strong faith will not take bribes nor turn corruption into a racial issue.
He said that despite corruption being widely condemned in the Quran, many of those caught receiving bribes were Muslims and it was turned into a racial issue by some.
“If we are true Muslims, if we have strong faith, we will not take bribes and we will not blame others. There is no need to blame the non-Muslims,” said Ayob Khan.
Instead of pointing fingers, Ayob Khan also said officers should lodge reports to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) if anyone offered them bribes.
“These people are twisting the news to dispute that the actions of the MACC or government agencies are wrong,” added Ayob Khan.
