KUALA LUMPUR: The call by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay not to equate corruption with race is timely, appropriate and commendable, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said many people fall into the trap of equating races with certain habits and behaviour that are anti-national and unproductive.
“There is no evidence, scientific or otherwise, that anti-social or destructive behaviour are the defining features of a single race.“So, let’s take a cue from the Deputy IGP and stop furthering racial stereotypes that only impede nation-building,” he said yesterday.
Lee said corruption is the result of greed and lack of moral standing, adding 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 nation’s number one enemy.
“Corruption is a societal ill that transcends ethnic and other boundaries, and affects people of all backgrounds and faiths.”
Lee said by addressing corruption collectively rather than assigning blame based on racial and religious lines, there is a greater chance of combating this issue.
“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.
“Blaming a specific group based on religion or ethnicity can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
“It can create divisions and animosity within society, 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,” Lee said.
In a video uploaded to Facebook last Wednesday, the Deputy IGP said a true Muslim with strong faith would neither take bribes nor turn corruption into a racial or religious issue.
He said despite corruption being widely condemned in the Quran, many of those caught receiving bribes were Muslims.
“If we are true Muslims, if we have strong faith, we will not take bribes and we will not blame others.
No need to blame the non-Muslims,” said Ayob Khan.Instead of pointing fingers, Ayob Khan said officers should lodge reports to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) if anyone offers them bribes.
“These people are twisting the news to argue that the actions of the MACC or government agencies were wrong.”
