Corruption a universal problem, not an ethnic one, analyst warns

SHAH ALAM - Debunking a harmful myth, political analyst Professor Datuk Dr P Sivamurugan argues that there is no scientific basis linking corruption to any specific ethnicity.

During his speech at the 2023 Rasuah Busters International Anti-Corruption Day (HARA) celebration, he highlighted that lack of integrity could fuel corruption, regardless of religion, ethnicity or race.

"I believe no religion, ethnicity, or race allows such behaviour.

"This occurs due to changes in the environment, perhaps also because it is difficult for us to find common ground on the values that should be embraced together.

"Therefore, corruption can occur anywhere regardless of the ethnicity," he said.

The programme also featured another panellist, Leadership and Professional Development Centre at the University of Malaya (UM Lead) Director Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff while Ismail Adnan was the moderator.

Sivamurugan added that efforts to prevent corruption should be made collectively to ensure that the country's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is in a better position.

"Until when do we want to be proud of the CPI rank of 61, while Singapore is in fifth place?

"Doesn't the gap keep widening? What is widening the gap is that each of us, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, or even political beliefs, should work together to address this issue," he said.

Therefore, he stressed that it was time for us to 'humanise prevention, popularise awareness.'

"Awareness only arises seasonally when programmes or activities are implemented, but ultimately, it is still difficult.

"Hence, there must be political will to lower the corruption index, but we are still struggling.

"That's why I always stress that awareness needs to be increased; corruption must be prevented," he said.