When Malaysians talk about corruption, we usually have a target in mind: those dirty politicians high up. Don't get me wrong, I think it's fair comment because there is a lot to answer for. I don't think we ever got an explanation or at least, one that didn't insult our intelligence as to why people on a government salary can suddenly live a life of grand opulence that would make a seasoned entrepreneur look like a 6 year-old lemonade stand girl. Even worse when those involved can't string a proper sentence to save their lives.
So let me rehash my FB comments.
As I see it, what first world countries see as corruption, 3rd world countries see as a normal way of life. Yep bold words I know and in my defence, if you've kept an eye open when traveling around places like India, Indonesia and Malaysia, you'd have noticed how its average inhabitant doesn't see anything wrong in paying "under table money" to get around something or to "close one eye" on something that's none of their business, no matter how ethically wrong it may appear.
Years ago in Singapore, I told my visiting Malaysian friends that if you littered or jaywalked here you'd be hauled up by the police. They were plumb astonished. How can!!! they exclaimed.
I know exactly how they feel. To them, that's being 'inflexible' to the point of unreasonable. Its a sign of oppression, a sign that something's wrong. And they're not alone, hell no, considering you can still buy t-shirts like this in the Lion City today.
Yeah I know, wtf. Even Singaporeans themselves think being disciplined and considerate of others is sick. You know the reputation their drivers have built for themselves on Malaysian roads, don't you? Its like, "Yeee Haaa!!!"
Its not entirely unexpected if you think about it. Being unconstrained has its advantages. You can double park, make illegal u-turns, jump queues, crank up your noise at midnight and do all sorts of self-serving things that leave others fuming without fear of repercussion. Such freedoms are actually necessary if its all about you, you and you.
And why not. Life is hard and we've got bigger fish to fry than these pesky little rules. We are survivors. Ours is a society where the toughest and most wily wins, we'd solemnly tell our ang moh friends. Its been that way since our forefathers came ashore on their sampans and we see no reason to change it. Just as our ancestors outsmarted the odds to survive, so too must we learn to outsmart the lay of the land to survive.
So what to do when we get stopped for a minor offense? Simple. We want sweep this mosquito bite away and move on to bigger things. We don't stop to think about how our offense had effected others. Too busy lah, or too full of ourselves. So we offer something valuable to settle. Money, usually. And thus, a small act of corruption is born.
As each act goes unpunished, it gets bigger and bolder. After a few decades, it becomes a way of life. Bribery? What's the big deal. Sap sap sui. Soon, its NOT normal to actually talk about ethical living. What about this punishment of trivialities like jaywalking or tossing a cigarrette butt on the street, isn't it offensive? Of course its offensive... if you're used to letting your kids run wild across the streets, endangering themselves and other motorists and dumping your garbage in the longkang behind your house.
We want 'flexibility' because life is tough and we deserve that extra consideration, and we don't mind paying a bit for that liberty. That's how corruption gradually becomes a mindset, an easy tool for staying out of trouble and getting ahead of others. It has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with me, me and me.
Everyone says they hate corruption. Yeah, me too. The big sharks high up may be corrupt but seriously, how different are they from the small sharks? If you ask me, they just have bigger mouths. They are no more opportunistic than the opportunists among us and apparently just as unconscionable too.
I think the politically-connected big sharks are there because they got a lucky break, that's all. If you accorded a small-time con artist the same opportunity to rip off the rakyat, you think he'd refuse it? I didn't think so. All the big sharks started off as small weasels. Or maybe they started off good people but the temptation was too great to refuse. Right place, right time, that elusive secret to success and the ingredient many live for.
So you understand my misgivings when the people who protest corruption loudly are the very same people who don't mind paying their way out of trouble or unethically getting a leg up on the competition. And that's the trouble I see. When its other people, its corruption. When its us, its "resourcefulness." Ever heard of Rules are for losers?
And lastly on politics since Malaysians like to equate corruption to politics, you do agree that in our system, the govt doesn't install itself there. The people do - with their votes. I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Moral people appoint moral governments.
Immoral people appoint immoral governments.
What does it mean? It means that if you see immorality all around you, the leaders are the least of your worries. Better look at the majority who voted them there. That's where the real problem is.
(Pic by Solomon David)
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