Desiderata has been clouded by this issue of INTEGRITY for some time now. In fact, it motivated fellow blogger Sabrina Tan (http://sabrinawstan.blogsome.com) to run a series on the subject. I need to put on record what my countr's CEO had said in conjunction with last Saturday's Inaugural Commemoratioon of National Integrity Day.
From theNational News Agency of November 5, 2005
Buddding integrity as the Malaysian way
PUTRAJAYA: Ethics and integrity must be taken seriously if the country wants a brighter future, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
He said enhancing ethics and integrity in the people's daily life was crucial to attaining developed country status. It would also form a progressive society with high moral values and ethics, and strong religious and spiritual faith.
As the basis to strengthen ethics and integrity in society, he said, the Government had launched the National Integrity Plan and set up the Integrity Institute of Malaysia. At the same time it was stepping up efforts to fight corruption in the public and private sectors.
“In fact, the move to enhance integrity is comprehensive and involves everyone,” he said in his message to mark the inaugural National Integrity Day today.
Abdullah said the Government's move to declare Nov 5 National Integrity Day was aimed at making integrity a way of life for Malaysians.
“Although National Integrity Day is observed once a year, the Government hopes the implementation of the integrity agenda by all Malaysians will be an ongoing process,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the success of the integrity enhancement initiative depended on the direct involvement of all parties.
In this regard, he welcomed the support and involvement of the public and private sectors and NGOs in ensuring the success of National Integrity Day.
“It will contribute to efforts in building a Malaysian society of glory, excellence and distinction,” he added. – Bernama (emphasis is Desi's)
I never had any doubt from Day 1 (November 1, 2003) of Pak Lah's premiership that he is a man of greAt potential in leadership -- manof his word, spirited in God-Fearing and loving ways, well endowed a with a sense of humanity and brotherhood with the people; and until the recent demise of his wide, much-loved Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, the cuntry's leading light had by his side an equally good role model for the Rakyat of what Integrity is about -- in word and in action.
I think all caring Malaysians would give unreserved support to our Prime Minister in his fight against corruption, in delivering an efficient and responsive public services system, and heading an accountable and responsible government. Yes, pushing us towards Developed Nation status.
But Desi's big and lingering question: when is he going to get rid of some dead wood and baggage he inerited from his predecessor?
To be (courageous) or not to be, that's the question.
Time is of the essence.
Time is a luxury that Pak Lah -- and the citizenry of Malaysia -- may not have on his, and ours too, side.
For a start, may I suggest our dear PM update the people on the two issues of the in the banking sector which made the news recently:
* The Islamic Bank's multi-million ringgit losses now that he had urged action be taken against "delinquent officers" -- what concrete actions had been taken?
** the election into MCA Youth as number 2 of a former minister's son who told a magazine he only borrowed "RM600..." when it had been consistently reported he had borrowed RM1.2billion in 1996/97 to finance the takeover of several listed companies. Why the discrepancy in figures after a lapse of eight years? Does the country youth need such a ROLE MODEL for a future leader waiting in the wings to enter the Malaysian Cabinet one day soon?
3 comments:
I wonder what's wrong with we Malaysians. Are we so stupid and greedy that humanistic values does not exist within us anymore?
It's embarrasing to note that the government needs to resort to more waste of funds by introducing the NIP. We can introduce all sorts of programs, but it will not serve any purpose if the root of the problems is not addressed.
As long as the people in power who are corrupted are telling us what to do, the people will remain skeptical. I say get rid of them no matter what, and then only the government should take on the responsibility of preaching and practicing what it preaches.
hi brudder Imran:
SECOND every word you say.
Let's just say -- we'll just do our part, the rest we'll leave to the Almighty, however we deem Him to be.
PS: Do keep in touch with kyels,(plus other Bloggers around KL/PJ eh?) arrange for a Get2Gether when Sab gets up here for a break. We'll all breAk a leg!:) Get away from all these nincompoops.
yan:
every time you go somewhere spa-ing, or is it spa-rring?, you can back with nuggets to share.
thanks for such wisdom or food for the soul.
i get inspired, reminded, which has to be constant lest we fall,
that indeed, a man's (woman's2-lah!) is indeed his/her bond.
and integrity is the "decision-maker", which we sometimes forget because the "rewards" fro shortcuts always tempt us human beings.
i hope i'll remember your quotes for today:) Thanks agin.
My DearReaders, chew over those words, eh -- I can only offer tehtarik as inducement.:)
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