Poorer Malaysians pay highest price for corruption, say experts

Experts say corruption and leakages disproportionately impact poorer Malaysians because they heavily rely on public services like hospitals, schools, transportation, and financial assistance. Corruption's financial burden may not be felt through direct bills, but through the deterioration of public infrastructure, delayed healthcare, underfunded education, and missed opportunities, say analysts.

Economist Tan Peck Leong notes that large corruption figures like RM100 million or RM1 billion are difficult for ordinary Malaysians to comprehend, obscuring the real consequences of these losses. Instead, he argues, we should focus on what Malaysia could have achieved with that money, such as improved schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Political analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri explains that the poor are most affected by corruption since they depend on government services and opportunities. For instance, the RM12.6 billion loss from the Tabung Haji investment scandal is equivalent to the cost of the Haj pilgrimage for around 378,000 Muassasah pilgrims.

Economist Nazari Ismail points out that when corruption costs involve public institutions, the government may need to spend more, borrow more, and pay interest on the debt – money that could otherwise benefit the people through welfare and public services. He warns that such borrowing can benefit wealthy lenders who gained from the corruption.

Zaharuddin emphasizes that corruption should be seen as a "costly lesson" for voters about the importance of trustworthiness when entrusting public money. He stresses that voters must choose leaders who can be relied upon, rather than simply casting a blank vote.

Anti-graft watchdog Malaysian Corruption Watch president Jais Abdul Karim urges voters to demand reforms that make corruption harder to commit, such as stronger procurement transparency, whistleblower protection, and institutional independence. Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram adds that citizens should be able to track how public funds are allocated and spent.