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If speeches alone could solve problems, Malaysia would be paradise on earth. Unfortunately, we have a prime minister who is all talk and no action. He makes wonderful and inspiring speeches all over the world but on the ground nothing changes. His recent statement on fighting corruption (see article below) is a case in point. Listening to him, you would think that the government is serious about tackling corruption and making great headway. The massive and illegal outflow of capital from Malaysia tells another story.

Here’s a recent report on corruption in Malaysia from the Malaysian Insider dated September 27 2013:

“Malaysia has been ranked as one of the most corrupt nations and listed as a country which is most likely to take shortcuts to meet targets when economic times are tough, according to a recent survey by Ernst & Young, signalling that the government’s Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) has failed in its role to transform the economy.

Malaysia, along with China, has the highest levels of bribery and corruption anywhere in the world, according to the latest report, Asia-Pacific Fraud Survey Report Series 2013.”

And the much-touted anti-corruption commission is nothing more than the propaganda arm of the ruling party that goes after small fish and opposition leaders but leaves the stunningly corrupt politicians, their families and their cronies well alone.

BERNAMA article carried by the Borneo Post, April 4, 2014, Friday

KUALA LUMPUR: Measures have been taken to address the corruption issues, such as by strengthening the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, said it was a very important step that the government has taken, even in the issues that had been raised in the Auditor-General’s report.

“For example, a committee has been set up, led by the Chief Secretary to the government. Among its members were representatives from MACC,” he said.

Abdul Wahid said this when commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s keynote address at the London School of Economics 6th Asia Forum yesterday.

Najib had said corruption suppressed meritocritic opportunity, choked off entrepreneurialism and droveaway talent.

“Corruption is one structural driver of inequality that could hinder the nation to prosper.

“Many Asian economies are affected by corruption which harms social cohesion,” he said.

The forum brought together academics, policymakers and business and finance leaders to discuss Asian issues.

Among the speakers were Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, former Chairman of Malaysia Airlines and Dr Hassan Wirajuda, former Indonesia Foreign Minister. — Bernama