Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad,  when he became the Prime Minister the second time with the Pakatan Harapan government perhaps best described the corruption menace in Malaysia by saying it is ‘endemic’.

He should know best and coming from him means the corruption issue in Malaysia is at a very bad level. It is widespread and rampant and has become a way of life prompting an editorial in an English daily to state that ‘corruption is Standard Operating Procedure in government now’.

The only way to overcome and eradicate corruption is through good governance. The government of the day must have the political will to clearly define corrupt acts and those charged with corruption must answer in a competent court of law.

It is important that justice be seen to be done. There must be no means and way of escape for those who are guilty of corruption and if necessary a deterrent sentence must be meted to send out the message to those contemplating corruption to be aware of the consequences.

This is why the government must deal with a firm hand and ensure that all those who commit acts of corruption pay the price. There can be no room for a pardon or forgiveness. This is the only way to arrest the problem and bring it under control.

The Malaysian government must never be seen to close one eye or sweep a corruption issue under the carpet. This will not solve the problem. The only way this by now endemic problem can be solved is to take the bull by the horns.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE