SHAH ALAM – The problem with corruption in the country is rooted in moral degradation, where individuals no longer feel shame or guilt when being involved in such activities.
Karangkraf Media Group Chairman Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub said that people need to go back to their value system where corrupt activities should not have a place within any individual, especially within politicians and lawmakers in the country.
"Our problem right now (in the country) is not just corruption but moral decay among humans. There is no shame or guilt when involved in corrupt activities, which is the source of the problem.
"Media have to play its part in bringing back the values by publishing news that is skewed towards it.
"When it is conducted long enough, the strategy should uproot the culture of morality among us, making people understand the value and feel guilty if we want to be involved in such activities,” he said.
He said the moral degradation can be seen with many corrupt activities taking place in the country today, where we hope that the leaders can bring the people out of the darkness, but it seems like there is no hope with current happenings.
With media stepping up their roles in reporting on corrupt activities and transparent reporting, Hussamuddin said the objective is to get people’s character and morals to revert to what used to be, when corruption was not something that is deemed normal.
Each media organisation needs to personalise their content to cater to its audience, making it more reachable and touching its audiences’ hearts.
Apart from reverting characteristics to what it was, there is also a need to amend the law and change the lawmakers for a more liveable Malaysia.
"With the 15th General Election expected to be held this year, more media reporting on corrupt activities could open the eyes of youths who are casting their votes this year, indecisive voters, as well as voters in rural areas,” he said.
Hussamuddin spoke to members of the media during a discussion along with Rasuah Busters group at Karangkraf office today.
Also present during the discussion was political analyst Dr G. Manimaran who agreed that corruption should be combatted from all angles and it should be a holistic and continuous approach, starting from students, workers and leaders.
Apart from the discussion with members of the media, Rasuah Busters group is also in talks with schools and universities as a part of its social responsibility to educate young people on awareness and differentiating what is right and what is wrong so that it could be implemented once they enter the real world.