NEWLY-minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob must stand firm in addressing the grave injustices of corruption and abuse of power by taking on important structural reforms, said the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre).
The new Government must commit to addressing the injustices of the previous administration and confront corruption as the greatest injustice in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) said in a statement.
“Any form of corruption that happens in the midst of this national Emergency is a reprehensible crime against the rakyat, where thousands have become jobless, and countless more have died,” it noted.
“This call to better governance must be met with meaningful access to information, strict enforcement, regardless of rank and titles.”
According to the C4 Centre, there should be no discrimination between offenders in upholding the rule of law, and it is only with this equality in enforcement that the rakyat can find its trust in the Government once again.
Meanwhile, there must also be vigilance and accountability in the procurement of medical supplies necessary in fighting the pandemic.
“As the reminder comes for leaders to prioritise good governance in running the country and in managing the battered economy, there must be tighter rules and accountability around the procurement of medical supplies, testing kits and vaccines.
“A clear lack of data transparency, and half-baked information dished out by health officials have rendered Malaysians even more powerless.”
Furthermore, the centre noted that there should be protection for whistle-blowers in calling out corruption and this includes allowing a more vibrant media to function without fear.
“Potential conflicts of interest must be reported, and swiftly investigated with whistle-blowers protected against any repercussions.
“This is especially so if any persons in power were to capitalise on the pandemic to make a quick buck at the expense of the rakyat.” – Aug 25, 2021
