Anti-Corruption Conference: Constructive Step or Lip Service?
By Chironjit Das
The figures are shocking, but they help to put the facts into perspective: The cost of the damage and financial losses due to global corruption far surpass the GDPs of smaller nations. Even ignoring the less tangible effects on societies, the problem leaves a gaping hole in the balance of economies of such nations.
The issue of corruption is not just prevalent in developing countries. Global statistics indicate some level of corruption in even the most advanced economies. When such statistics are put on graphs and charts, however, the jarring difference stands out. The magnitude of corruption in developing nations is many times those of more advanced nations, despite the smaller sizes of their economies.
YB Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
The Anti Corruption Summit, organised by Transparency International Malaysia and Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), was themed zero tolerance for corruption. As with all conferences involving similar issues, this one too has aimed to find solutions to this malaise. The ideas presented were rarely new but the organizers managed to steer away from a total rehash by focusing on specific industries and their suggestions for tailored solutions.
One industry in the spotlight was the logging sector. A pet example often quoted by anti-corruption activists, the financial losses from worldwide illegal logging is estimated to cost USD10 billion annually. The war against such practice has been waged for decades, yet as Cybil Tan, the Chief Executive of Borneo Conservation Trust put it, with culprits coming up with ever more innovative ways to pull off their heists, lax enforcement of laws is akin to tacit approval.
A list of appropriately selected speakers added to the relevance of each session. Indeed, the good balance of representation from governmental, corporate and non-profits was the highlight of the event. Being major players in the Malaysian economy, the participation of speakers from Intel, Petronas, Khazanah, Shell, and the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) lent credibility that corruption is not just a byword amongst the industries.
There is one interesting note that Malaysians attending the event would have noticed. Malaysia, despite being some way from being a truly transparent state, is certainly better off than most of its counterparts. Whether by choice or merely a coincidence, the worst examples of corruption pointed out by speakers were often not those of ours.
The solutions presented, however, were suitably tailored for Malaysian scenario. Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip, Chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), made full use of the opportunity to take a jab at the Malaysian way of conducting business while pointing out the opportunity for corruption that those actions present.
Transparency International Malaysian Chapter President, Datuk Paul Low
One interesting take was offered by Datuk Eddy Chen, the patron and past president of the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (REHDA). He argued that the mandatory low-cost housing development, statutory contributions and Bumiputera quotas by the government on property sales are industry best-practices that serve to combat corruption.
Each speaker had his say on the best way to go about the issue. The single most important factor that most such suggestions indicated, however, was the need for independent bodies which are supported and respected by the government, corporations and the community alike.
Overall, to the casual observer, the event ended on a positive note that Malaysia is on the right path to a transparent state. Old hands, however, were keen to point out that most of the speakers represent organizations that were or are embroiled in corruption allegations. To them, it is but another attempt at lip service. Unfortunately, until we see clear results to the contrary, that is what it likely will be.◊
