Homo Corruptus or Homo Sapiens?

Although we are Homo sapiens or "wise man” in Latin, another primate species is fast evolving. It’s Homo corruptus. This species is thriving in the Age of Corruption and Malaysia is one of the fertile grounds for its rise.

It seems to have become an epidemic in Malaysia. Hopefully, not a pandemic.  The SRC, 1MDB financial scandals and now the fiasco of littoral combat ships (LCS).

Malaysians are tired of our leaders dipping into Malaysia’s Treasury and then saying we have no money for projects or cost of living subsidies. 

The World Bank estimates international bribery exceeds US$1.5tril (RM6.734tril) annually, or 2% of global GDP and 10 times more than total global aid funds. Other estimates are higher at 2% to 5% of global GDP. Corruption permeates all levels of society, from low-level public servants accepting petty bribes to national leaders stealing millions or billions of dollars.

Source: https://blog-pfm.imf.org

We see that clearly in South Korea. In South Korea, presidential pardons are almost always given for the rich and well-connected convicted Homo corruptus. Surprisingly, South Koreans, whose fierce protests toppled a disgraced President, accepted the government’s reason for pardon, with a public poll showing almost 70% support. In Malaysia, growing calls are made to pardon Najib (and maybe Rosmah and the rest).

It seems all the kleptocrats would like a pardon. Just like the last days of Trump. If we grant pardons to all then that sets a new standard – be corrupt and steal as much as you want, because we are so compassionate that we will, of course, grant you a pardon. It makes no moral or religious sense. Why have a judiciary, AG or the police? We can all swear by our holy books that we are innocent of the crimes committed – even if there is irrefutable evidence. Surely hearsay and an oath should be enough to persuade the majority of our innocence? What foolishness!

In the coming general election, we citizens of Malaysia cannot vote for Homo Corruptus candidates. Or, we will be a failed state!

Reference:

The rise of “Homo corruptus” in our midst, June HL Wong, The Star, 24 August 2022