In my opinion, the battle to eradicate corruption and assimilate integrity into everything that we do is handicapped by people generally being hypocrites.

They kick up a storm about corruption in others but will not bat an eyelid when paying off a traffic cop to escape summons and demerit points. They bark and scream about the need for transparency in awarding contracts - but only after they have failed to secure one despite bearing gifts and offers to the right party.

Foreigners who blast us about our level of corruption have no shame in dropping names to get their traffic summons or work permit issues expedited. Consultants talk about how a clean society is needed for efficient business processes but they themselves will not worry too much about fiddling their time away to overcharge.

I am sick of people talking bad about corporate figures behind their back but will be the first one to make a beeline to them if they are any lucrative tenders on offer.

We actually live in a very selfish, self-centred and hypocritical feudal society, where you are supposed to act and behave your status in society. Even if you have worked hard and achieved something, this will not be accepted by others as you are not supposed to be entitled to that. They deserve better.

I actually think that those who assist corrupt practices - by giving gifts and money to get favours in return - should be heavily prosecuted rather then takers only. After all, drug pushers are given heavy sentences when compared to users, aren't they?