I could not agree more with Dr Cheah Tien Eang who wrote in a letter that graft has become an acceptable practice in this country.

Recently, I was put in a position where I had to choose whether to pay an officer in the Local Housing authority or face inconvenience with regard to getting my house renovation permit approved.

The first request took place two years ago when I submitted a standard plan (obtained from a RM10 booklet published by the local authority) for my kitchen extension.

Upon submitting the plan, I was asked by an officer in charge whether I wanted the application to be processed quickly or in the normal way. The cost for speedy application was RM300 on top of the normal RM100 processing fee.

Recently, I received a letter informing that the renovation did not comply with the plan submitted. It is arguable whether the part in dispute is already included in the plan or not.

The part in dispute involves shifting the second floor wall and window out by three feet in order that the roof of the extended kitchen could rest on. It involves no structural changes, i.e. no additional beams or columns.

When I met with the officer-in-charge (a different officer to the earlier one), he said that I needed to submit four detailed large drawings to show the shifting of a wall and a window. Compared this to the standard plan submitted earlier, a more extensive renovation which only requires one A4-size drawing, the request is beyond belief.

Of course, he quickly offered an easy way out. If I pay him RM300, the matter will be resolved. The next day, the sum was increased to RM600 because his engineering colleague also wanted a piece of the action. I refused and the matter is now pending.

I called ACA for advice and they advised that I lodge a report at their office. They offered to set up a trap when payment is to be made to the officer.

After careful consideration, I declined to take this approach. I don't live at the house since I am working abroad, but my elderly parents do. I do not want to put them in any harms way should this officer, after been apprehended, decided to take revenge.

My contractor confirms that this is normal practice. The fact that the officer was making requests openly in the meeting room where a colleague could hear us and was at the same time handling another applicant shows that it is an acceptable practice. My view is that the money collected will be shared amongst them.

Our politicians should refrain from criticising the West for their immoral values. They should start at home and clean up corruption here. Alas, we all know corruption also happens at high places. Why shouldn't the little guys indulge in it too?