NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 29 – June 14, 2005 www.necf.org.my.
Fight Corruption (#2)
Psalms 11:7 "For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright."
A BRIEF REPORT:
Corruption has lately become a major issue of political and socio-economic significance. The Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi admitted that "raising integrity and combating corruption in the country were the greatest challenges faced by his administration" (New Straits Times, May 31 2005).
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2004 indicates that Malaysia, out of 146 countries surveyed, ranked 39th (37th in 2003, 33rd in 2002) in the perceived levels of corruption among politicians and public officials. On the scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (highly clean), Malaysia scored 5.0 (5.2 in 2003). The level of corruption is worrisome and seems to have gone from bad to worse.
In releasing its 2005 Corruption survey on Asian countries, Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) suggests the allegations of internal corruption in the ruling coalition even though there is a strong public support of Prime Minister’s anti-graft stance. Money politics was a major issue during the last UMNO party elections. The findings on the level of corruption in police force revealed by the Royal Commission Report are troubling. There were 1,337 reported cases of police corruption in 2004 (an average of 3.7 cases per day), bearing in mind that there were unreported cases. The Department of Environment's controversial handling of certain environmental violations is still under the investigation of Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA). The results of ACA investigation concerning 18 high-profile cases submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers in May 2004 still remain a mystery. Indeed, the necessity of taking measures against corruption is evident.
Fighting corruption does take time. Let us commit ourselves to reject all forms of corruption and continue to uphold our Prime Minister, national leaders, politicians, implementations of Government policies and citizens’ conviction & commitment in prayer.
SUGGESTED PRAYER POINTS:
· Pray that PM to get support from ministries and agencies to carry out the mission of creating an honest and upright society.
· Pray for the pillars of integrity, i.e., the institutions of Government — the various ministries, the judiciary, Attorney-General's Chambers, the office of auditor-general, police force, all local authorities, etc. for commitment to a clean, honest and incorruptible governance.
· Pray for the co-operation & commitment of the citizens at large to reject all forms of corruption such as
· not giving in to demands for "tea" money,
· reporting corrupt practices to the authorities.
· giving our fullest support by showing zero tolerance of corruption.
· Pray for transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors, a strong and collective thrust in enforcement. Good governance & integrity.
· Pray for the Anti-Corruption Agency Malaysia (ACA), its director-general ACA Director-General Datuk seri Zulkipli Mat Noor & his team that enforcement of law be carried out without fear and favor.
ACA is an organisation under the Prime Minister's department which aims to prevent and eradicate all forms of corruption and abuse of power in the country. It is said that the battle against graft requires not only political will and commitment in implementation, but also more respect and independence be given to ACA.
· Pray for stronger regional co-operation and the continuous sharing of expertise and experience in order to sustain ongoing anti-corruption efforts. A partnership project of the Integrity Institute Malaysia (IIM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to implement National Integrity Plan at local levels so as to effectively reduce corruption, and increase efficiency in the delivery of public service (UNDP, May 24 2005)
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Christian community is making effort to support PM's initiative to fight graft. An event "The National Congress on Integrity 2005" organized by Graduate Christian Fellowship & OHMSI, endorsed by NECF Malaysia, will be held in July 16 at Sunway Convention Center. Pray for active participation, smooth operation and fruitful results.
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