IN Malaysia's ongoing fight against corruption in the public sector, a potent yet often underestimated solution is gaining traction: the combined force of bureaucratic and political will.
As the nation grapples with persistent issues of graft and mismanagement in government ranks, experts and policymakers are pointing to this dual approach as the antidote to achieving real, lasting change.
One of the clearest examples of corruption within Malaysia's civil service is found in public procurement. The interplay between bureaucrats and politicians in this sector illustrates how corruption can flourish.
Bureaucrats, motivated by the lure of easy money, desiring luxurious lifestyle or facing financial pressures, engage in corrupt practices, while politicians, on the other hand, require funds to support their constituents.
This dynamic, which facilitates the abuse of the procurement processes, is evident in the alarming statistic revealed by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali.
Up to July, nearly 70 per cent of corruption complaints were tied to public procurement.
The concept of bureaucratic will is essentially the dedication of civil servants at all levels to uphold integrity and proactively combat corruption. It seeks to foster a culture within the civil service where ethical behaviour is not merely expected but deeply embedded.
Political will, by contrast, reflects the resolve of elected officials and political leaders to champion and implement anti-corruption efforts, even when faced with resistance or personal sacrifice.
The synergy between bureaucratic and political will is vital; when both civil servants and politicians commit to integrity, it can be transformative for the nation.
Firstly, it leads to consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws and policies. When there's strong political will, MACC as an anti-corruption body will receive the support and resources it needs to function effectively.
Simultaneously, bureaucratic will ensures that these resources are used efficiently and that enforcement is carried out impartially, regardless of the status or connections of those involved.
Secondly, this synergy can drive meaningful institutional reforms. Politicians with the will to fight corruption are more likely to push for stricter regulations and oversight mechanisms. At the same time, bureaucrats with integrity are more likely to embrace these changes and implement them effectively, rather than resisting or undermining them.
Perhaps most importantly, when both politicians and bureaucrats demonstrate a genuine commitment to integrity, it can catalyse a broader cultural shift within the civil service and society at large. It sends a powerful message that corruption is not tolerated at any level and that ethical behaviour is both expected and rewarded.
However, the entrenched nature of corruption in some sectors, the influence of vested interests and the sometimes slow pace of cultural change can pose obstacles. Moreover, there's often a disconnect between stated commitments to fight corruption and the actions taken in practice.
To truly harness the power of bureaucratic and political will, several key steps are necessary.
First, there needs to be a clear, shared vision of what a clean and efficient civil service looks like, restoring and upholding the dignity of the people based on trust, good values and morals, as well as fair and effective governance.
Therefore, it is crucial to consistently communicate the vision of Malaysia Madani at all levels of government.
Second, there must be tangible incentives for integrity and real consequences for corruption.
This goes beyond just punitive measures; prevention is the key to this incentive, as swift, firm and fair application of the law will deter this transgressive activity.
Third, we need to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms. This includes not just internal checks and balances, but also empowering external watchdogs and protecting whistleblowers.
The introduction of this initiative is timely as it replaces the existing law, which appears impractical in certain aspects.
Lastly, public engagement is crucial. Civil society organisations and the media play a vital role in raising awareness, applying pressure and holding both bureaucrats and politicians accountable for their commitments to fight corruption.
Since the anti-corruption agency's establishment in 1967, the Community Education Division has assumed the role of raising awareness and prevention, recognising that the fight against corruption in Malaysia's civil service is not just about laws and enforcement.
Rather, it's about creating a shared commitment to uphold integrity that permeates all levels of government.
When both civil servants and political leaders wholeheartedly embrace integrity, real change becomes possible.
The government's recent initiative for civil servants demonstrates its political will to meet their financial stability needs.
The introduction of Sistem Saraan Perkhidmatan Awam to replace the old Sistem Saraan Malaysia was a manifestation of the government's commitment to reducing corruption in the public sector.
Studies show that low civil service salaries can indirectly fuel bribery; by improving compensation, the government aims to alleviate financial pressures that may drive corruption.
In addition, the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), which strengthens the National Anti-Corruption Plan, represents another key move towards a more robust anti-corruption framework.
Crucial reforms, such as the political financing bill, procurement act and the establishment of the Malaysian Ombudsman, are initiatives outlined in the NACS that require timely implementation.
In conclusion, when all stakeholders move forward together, success becomes inevitable.
The journey may be challenging, but with robust bureaucratic and political will, Malaysia can transform its civil service, restore public trust and serve as an inspiring model for other nations tackling corruption.
The will to change is not just ideal — it is essential for the nation's progress and prosperity.
*The writer is assistant commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times