Every day we hear tragic and distressing news of our moral decline. Corruption at the highest levels – a former PM, a party President, heads of GLCs or PLCs, bank CEOs or even a former Chief Secretary to the Government.
In the 60s and 70s, the hallmark of this nation (Malaysia) was its integrity. People were less conscious of religious practices and more tolerant of each other. With each passing decade, there is more religiosity but less moral fibre. Otherwise, we will not have 1MDB, FGV, National Feedlot, Caely, Sapura, Serba Dinamik and many others.
Source:https://www.integritysolutions.com
Then there are others who receive remuneration in the millions even though their companies (government or private) are going through distressing times. Workers are laid-off, branches closed, planes sold and write-offs made but they are well-off. Is that integrity? Is that right?
Next we have students who plagiarise assignments and essays. And this is in both public and private universities. Lecturers have to “tutup mata” and pass them. Exam questions are leaked for special groups. Exam markings have to be compromised because there is a KPI to meet or the Dean of school cannot have too many failures – bad for “marketing” to future, prospective students!
We have universities with courses on integrity, we have a National Integrity Institute, we have National Integrity Plan and we have integrity units in all major organisations including the Police! We even had a Minister for Integrity – who was formerly heading Transparency International – Malaysia. (He was vocal while in the private sector but became a “church mouse’ in the Government)
Is our system a facade of righteousness? With Jakim and others looking out for dress code, gaming activities, cinemas, bars and pubs as if corruption is permissible. In fact, one religious group views corruption as “rezeki”. Many of the religious “right’ make great speeches, provide talks or have townhouse meetings on integrity.
When there is no fear of God, we are white-washed tombs. No matter how many times you make your way to a holy site, you remain a sinner. Sins are not cleansed by pilgrimages but contriteness of heart and genuine turning away from wrongful acts or associations. God sees our hearts not our outward piousness. God is not a fool, He can see us through. It is us who fake outward appearances to “fool” ourselves, our friends or general public.
It takes a few good men (and women) to change this landscape of moral decay. We have to hope and pray that more will join an “Integrity Movement” to change society like Bersih in May 2018. May God have mercy on us!
“Are you not ashamed of your eagerness to possess as much wealth, reputation and honours as possible, while you do not care for nor give thought to wisdom and truth, or the best possible state of our soul?”
-Socrates
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