As a institution that represents people, Parliament should lead the way in implementing the concept of integrity, said Backbenchers Club chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad.

However, it is clear that this has not happened.

"If Parliament with about 200 MPs and 300 administrative staff cannot implement the concept of integrity, how will we implement it in 18 public universities with thousands of students?" he asked.

Shahrir said this at a discussion session organised by the Universiti Malaya Academic Staff Association at the campus yesterday. The event was part of a series to discuss issues relevant to university.

Shahrir said both Parliament and universities have caught up in bureaucracy in implementing the concept of integrity.

"Parliament has become part of the bureaucracy of the Public Service Department and Public Service Commission. Universities face similar problems," said Shahrir.

He said some believe that they can provide good services or lectures under a bureaucratic system, but noted that this has resulted in others being victimised.

"Maybe they think the way to control students in all 18 public universities is by bureaucratising the institutions.

"Perhaps they feel this allows for systematic implementation of integrity by enhancing management. But in effect, it has jeopardised the functions of both universities and Parliament."

Shahrir pointed out that the commitment and performance of the staff or lecturers are now evaluated through a system of bureaucracy and compared to standards in the public service.

This has led to problems. At the same time, some personnel have chosen to free themselves of bureaucracy by utilising political avenues, which is contrary to the concept of integrity, he said.

Feudalistic thinking

A member of the audience raised the issue of feudalistic thinking in society, saying this prevails in universities as well as in society

"...there are many orders from the top and people are beholden to them," he said.

He also commented that the problem has been aggravated over time, preventing people from attaining dignity and competitiveness in the international arena.

Shahrir agreed, saying those with feudalistic thinking refuse to admit their mistakes and tend to put the blame on others.

"This happens especially among the Malays," he said.

There was agreement that integrity should be implemented through institutions and systems, but that it should be taken on board at the individual level too.

Sharir cited an example by highlighting his substantial majority in the general election last year, although he had not contested for three terms. He won the Johor Bahru parliamentary seat against the PAS candidate with majority of 46,792 or 75 percent of the votes polled.

"How could I have gained such a big victory? I have never take an inch of land from the government...integrity must start from within," he added.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had pledged to strengthen integrity and fight corruption when he came to power in November 2003.

The government has launched a National Integrity Plan and set up the Integrity Institute of Malaysia, but critics point out that no real change had resulted to date.