The recent series of articles in a leading newspaper on the late Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman, former Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, has reminded us of a truly great and towering Malaysian. Here was a man of integrity, sincerity and commitment to the nation. Not only was he free from the smudge of corruption, he had a distinct revulsion towards anyone who indulged in this disgraceful practice.

It was due to his impeccable character that two Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak had implicit faith in him and his judgment. He was a pillar to lean on during dark times. How rare indeed are people like him. A shining example, a beacon of light, even after his demise, to remind politicians and leaders that respect is earned, not demanded, and that honesty comes before anything else.

He stands in similar ranking to a few other outstanding, trustworthy and upright individuals like former finance Minister Tun Tan Siew Sin and former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Dr. Mohd. Said. Tun Tan had a reputation for meticulousness, and would not let a cent of the country’s finances go unaccounted for. Dr. Mohd. Said was a straightforward person, renown for his abhorrence for graft, and maintained a no-nonsense approach in the administration of the State Government.

The local media is urged to highlight the life and times of such leaders, in the hope that Malaysians, in these days of materialism, will realize the importance of honor, integrity and dignity in governance.

Much has to be done to combat corruption. Malaysia has slipped to the 44th position in Transparency International’s corruption perception index. We are below the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Botswana, Mauritius, Oman and Jordan, among others. To be fair, this might be due to more disclosure and exposure of this menace to society. But the problem remains.

The Prime Minister’s noble efforts in addressing graft are admirable and have to be adopted by all, including the private sector. More Ministers and Members of Parliament have to speak out. Its eradication, or at least a drastic reduction, will certainly be a big boost in propelling the nation to fully developed status in 2020.

Dr. S. Vijayaratnam.
Vice President of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia