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Friday 16 March 2007

No. 7 In Corruption Ranking

It should come as no surprise.

Malaysia’s economy is perceived by foreign businessmen to be more corrupt this year compared to last year, according to an annual survey carried out by Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC).

And why not?

Corruption is so rampant in Malaysia, that virtually no one even raises the literal or proverbial eyebrow.

We bribe the cops when we commit an offence.

Heck, most of the time, the cops even EXPECT us to bribe them. Woe betide those who don't, for they receive a most reproachful glare and perhaps a sniff of disgust for their integrity.

But the cops; they're small fry.

The politicians' shenanigans, if compiled could definitely beat out the Encyclopaedia Britanica in volume.

Good ole Malaysia. (Malaysia Boleh?)

Our top 3 on the Corruption Hall Of Fame are:

1) Mohd Said bin Yusof - I love this guy. He has become an icon for corrupt politicians with his tagline, "Close One Eye!" over an illegal import of sawn timber from Indonesia.

2) Zakaria bin Mat Deros was busted for illegally building a mansion and not paying assessment for his present home as well as an office in Port Klang for more than 10 years. He also named his son and daughter-in-law as councillors of the Klang municipal.

3) Muhammad "Shaggy" Abdul Ghani with the tagline, "It wasn't me!" for imported luxury vehicles brought in under cloned Approved Permits. He blamed it all on his son and the staff. And some.

Then again, these are the ones who made the mistake of getting caught. Doubtless there are numerous others.

And we wonder why we rank so high.

While some argue that it is merely perception:

"Companies usually base their investment decisions on perception, not reality. If companies perceive the situation in a particular country to be difficult, then that is likely to work against their decision to invest." - PERC managing director Robert Broadfoot

Wake up call!!

Related:
Corruption Ranking - From Sarawak, Land of The Hornbill, Malaysia

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