Pretenders Silencing Fight Against Corruption

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Those who expound the law are paramount for the foundation of developing peaceful, equitable, and prosperous societies.
They said in valour and unequivocally that for the law to be effective, there must be equality under the law, transparency of the law, an independent judiciary, and access to legal remedies.
These voices of reason have been pilloried, leaving right-thinking Malaysians to pinch themselves and ask: “What is happening to our beloved Malaysia?”
In an era of doublespeak and unfulfilled reform promises, the silence of the many who shouted “fight corruption” could be viewed as sheer hypocrisy.
Former MP Tony Pua, who relentlessly pursued the 1MDB scandal in and out of Parliament and had his passport impounded, should hang his head in shame.
Tony PuaThe many party colleagues, now in high places, who had previously used the 1MDB in the 2018 and 2022 general elections have now gone into silent mode - reduced to silent passers-by.
Refusing to take a stand (collective responsibility is just an excuse) on former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s sentencing and its subsequent reduction is attributed to “we cannot challenge the decision of the king”.
At least Pua had the gall and gumption to write on Facebook: “Can someone send me to jail for one year and in exchange, pay me RM50 million?”
Pua’s on-liner incurred the wrath of Umno warlords, who were lining up at police stations to make reports.
In February, the Pardons Board reduced Najib’s jail time from 12 years to six. The board also reduced the former premier's fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
If he fails to pay, Najib's prison sentence will be increased by a year, and he will be released only on Aug 23, 2029.
Two major rallies
In the next two weeks, two major rallies are taking place - about 3,200km apart - one for the right reason and the other, for the wrong one.
Next Monday, Umno and PAS will unite for a rally at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support for Najib.
Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi said all Umno divisions will send members, except for Sabah. The rally seeks clarity on the alleged royal addendum and its implementation.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan issued a memo urging party members to attend the rally, while Bersatu has not prohibited its members from attending the rally, and its women’s chief, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, expressed confidence in their participation.
Utter silence from the authorities and the usual suspects – the police, academics masquerading as analysts, and even those who run to make police reports at the drop of a hat.
Compare this with the rally against corruption in the Sabah capital set for today, organised by the Sabah-based student group Suara Mahasiswa Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The rally will list several key demands, including Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor's resignation and the MACC's expedited investigations into a corruption scandal that rocked the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led administration.
Police have accepted their notification submitted under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 but are facing roadblocks.
The group said the Sabah Public Works Department's announcement of road closures leading to Menara Kinabalu for a carnival is an attempt to disrupt their planned assembly.
The route map for the ‘Gempur Rasuah Sabah’ rallyAnother group known only as Gerakan Bangkit Sabahan similarly announced a plan to rally under the banner “Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan Pertahankan Hak Sabah, Kami Bersama Hajiji” (Rise Sabahan Rally Defend Sabah’s Rights, We Stand with Hajiji) at the same place and time, which is 2pm.
Yesterday, it was announced that an “impromptu” carnival is being held simultaneously, but the groups said that they would not compromise on their plans to highlight the need to combat corruption affecting government politicians.
UMS has disavowed any involvement of its entities, including its faculties, academies, centres, institutes, or staff, in the rally.
In a statement on Sunday (Dec 29), UMS advised the student group organising the rally to comply with the relevant laws and instructions from the authorities.
Kota Kinabalu police chief Kasim Muda said the public should refrain from attending these events as none of the organisers have obtained permission from Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the venue's owner.
Vehicle of propaganda?
Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan said many parties organising such gatherings aim to fight corruption.
However, he clarified that the groups involved should not allow their move to be misused by certain parties.
According to him, students should not listen to propaganda without something being proven authentic.
No one wants to talk about the bags of money that changed hands, address the issue of money for licences, or discuss the state of corruption.
They only want to tell us their plans, even if they cannot be achieved. They only want to deter the public from addressing such issues with the people.
Politicians believe they have a monopoly on using corruption for propaganda and political expediency.
Should we close our eyes and ears to such utterances as cakap tak serupa bikin (Not walking the talk)? - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: [email protected]
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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