Corruption: 'Major problem, minor effect'
Hazlan ZakariaPublished: Nov 16, 2009 6:50 PM | Updated: Nov 16, 2009 7:05 PM
Malaysians generally believe that corruption is the number one problem in this country. But about half of those who agreed with this opinion feel that corruption is not something that affects their personal lives.
Malaysians generally believe that corruption is the number one problem in this country. But about half of those who agreed with this opinion feel that corruption is not something that affects their personal lives.
This is according to the results of a joint survey undertaken by independent pollster Merdeka Centre and press freedom advocacy NGO, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ). The findings were announced at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
The survey which polled over 1,200 individuals from all over Malaysia, included a sampling of respondents from all states across the peninsula as well as those on the isle of Borneo.
Corruption and abuse of power came to be number one on the list of problems that respondents think is besetting the country. Also on the list are social ills, crime and political instability.
Eighty-three percent believe that corruption is rampant in Malaysia and should be dealt with soon.
However, 74 percent indicated that they are dissatisfied with the way the government is handling the issue.
This belief seems to pervade through all layers of governance, as confidence in institutions that are supposed to handle corruption is nonexistent.
The prime minister and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) failed to impress those polled in the fight against graft. While the police is the least trusted with fighting corruption.
As one respondent puts it: "I don't think putting up 'Anti-rasuah' badge on the uniform is effective. There is nothing much the government had done besides that."
Another added, "MACC is not an independent body so it is likely to be bias."
Media can fight corruption
Interestingly enough, the media tops the list of the most effective entity, that the respondents said, can help root out corruption.
Some of the respondents praised state governments like Selangor whose implementation of the Special Select Committee on Competency Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) provides a check and balance against corrupt officials.
As for those who answered that corruption did not have any direct effect on their personal lives, this is probably the result of lack of awareness on how corruption impacts the man on the street.
CIJ executive director V Gayathry believes this is where the media can play a role in order to help spread information and educate the public to “increase their awareness of corruption and its effects.”
More worryingly, 51 percent of those polled are not only oblivious to reports on corruption covered by the media but also generally unaware that there are more corruption cases happening in the nation, beyond the news coverage.
Gayathry said that among these may include, some in the civil service who find nothing wrong with a little bit of graft, seeing it as business as usual.
Fed-up with acquittals
Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian explained that of the 51 percent, most are low income earners, without tertiary education and do not have internet connection.
He said their sources of information could be limited, while their struggle with their livelihood to make ends meet may preclude any concern over graft.
Meanwhile, nearly half of those polled answered that there is a bias in the media favouring the BN government.
This finding tallies with media monitoring by the CIJ which found the same slant in media coverage of corruption cases.
CIJ communication and publications officer Yip Lai Fong opined that the respondents maybe also be fed up with the acquittals of major personalities in graft cases.
This is according to the results of a joint survey undertaken by independent pollster Merdeka Centre and press freedom advocacy NGO, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ). The findings were announced at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.The survey which polled over 1,200 individuals from all over Malaysia, included a sampling of respondents from all states across the peninsula as well as those on the isle of Borneo.
Corruption and abuse of power came to be number one on the list of problems that respondents think is besetting the country. Also on the list are social ills, crime and political instability.
Eighty-three percent believe that corruption is rampant in Malaysia and should be dealt with soon.However, 74 percent indicated that they are dissatisfied with the way the government is handling the issue.
This belief seems to pervade through all layers of governance, as confidence in institutions that are supposed to handle corruption is nonexistent.
The prime minister and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) failed to impress those polled in the fight against graft. While the police is the least trusted with fighting corruption.
As one respondent puts it: "I don't think putting up 'Anti-rasuah' badge on the uniform is effective. There is nothing much the government had done besides that."
Another added, "MACC is not an independent body so it is likely to be bias."
Media can fight corruption
Interestingly enough, the media tops the list of the most effective entity, that the respondents said, can help root out corruption.
Some of the respondents praised state governments like Selangor whose implementation of the Special Select Committee on Competency Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) provides a check and balance against corrupt officials.
As for those who answered that corruption did not have any direct effect on their personal lives, this is probably the result of lack of awareness on how corruption impacts the man on the street.
CIJ executive director V Gayathry believes this is where the media can play a role in order to help spread information and educate the public to “increase their awareness of corruption and its effects.”More worryingly, 51 percent of those polled are not only oblivious to reports on corruption covered by the media but also generally unaware that there are more corruption cases happening in the nation, beyond the news coverage.
Gayathry said that among these may include, some in the civil service who find nothing wrong with a little bit of graft, seeing it as business as usual.
Fed-up with acquittals
Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian explained that of the 51 percent, most are low income earners, without tertiary education and do not have internet connection.He said their sources of information could be limited, while their struggle with their livelihood to make ends meet may preclude any concern over graft.
Meanwhile, nearly half of those polled answered that there is a bias in the media favouring the BN government.
This finding tallies with media monitoring by the CIJ which found the same slant in media coverage of corruption cases.
CIJ communication and publications officer Yip Lai Fong opined that the respondents maybe also be fed up with the acquittals of major personalities in graft cases.
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