Policeman at the junction: education alone won’t stop corruption

A policeman standing at a traffic junction serves as a visible reminder that certain rules must be obeyed, regardless of personal inclination. The presence of law enforcement acts as a deterrent to the majority of law-abiding citizens. In the same vein, corruption thrives when the fear of being caught is absent. This is not unique to Malaysia, but a universal truth that applies to people across the globe.

People may profess to detest corrupt practices, even citing religious beliefs against it, but their willingness to partake in such activities remains intact unless the threat of repercussions looms over them.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his recent address to Gen Z students, echoed this sentiment. He reminded them that a high degree or doctorate does not grant immunity from greed or corruption. Anwar is correct in stating that past educational attainment does not automatically make one virtuous. However, merely delivering such messages is akin to installing a traffic sign — it is necessary but ultimately powerless without the behind-the-scenes enforcement.

Anwar's promise to relentlessly pursue corrupt officials, irrespective of political repercussions, is a hollow promise unless accompanied by the establishment of a robust, independent enforcement mechanism. This would require investing in the long-term development of capable and honest personnel, as well as implementing rigorous oversight that ensures impartiality and accountability.

While Malaysia's National Education Council and National Education Blueprint aim to promote moral values in educational institutions, this is merely a drop in the ocean. Such initiatives must extend beyond rhetoric and into the core of education systems, permeating fields where misconduct can result in significant harm. Only then can we hope to combat systemic corruption rooted in a culture that views bribery as a necessary means to achieve desired outcomes.