A concerned Malaysian writes about Malaysian affairs. "You are the Change you Seek" Barack Obama

Sunday, July 13, 2008

GRAFT in Any Department is a "National Security" PROBLEM

malaysiakini has this story:
Immigration graft a 'national security problem': ACA chief
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/86020

It gives the impression that graft is only a "national security" problem in the immigration department.

My opinion is that high-level graft in any department can affect our national security.

For example:

  1. Defense: Purchase of inferior weapons because of bribery can affect national security.
  2. Foreign Affairs: National secrets can be sold to foreign agents
  3. Works and Public Utilities: Sub-standard work can affect the safety and security of thousands.
  4. Home Affairs: Issue of Mykad to illegals.
Can you think how other areas can affect national security?

It is hoped that the ACA will probe this immigration case to its ultimate conclusion and not transfer under it under the ISA so that the public will learn what it takes to reduce corruption within the government.

5 comments:

Donplaypuks® said...

This is of course sheer nonsense!

In this country, as in several others, many have been put behind bars, often without charge or trial, for long periods, when their only 'crime' was that they stood in opposition to the incumbent Govt's policies and excesses!

This has seen many a Minister, as well as a Prime Minister or two, whipping out the draconian ISA to circumvent the Rule of Law.

No, this kind of corruption in the Immigration Dept or in the Weapons & Systems Procurement Department of MINDEF cannot by any stretch of the imagination be classified as 'National Security Problems'unless a link to espionage and foreign spies can first be established.

Otherwise, it is just plain old corruption. That is not to mitigate or excuse the seriousness of the crime.

But responsible columnists should not provide more ammunition to the Govt to invoke the ISA and thereby provide more cover for the poor and sloppy investigative & forensics techniques of our law enforcement agencies.

It's so easy to lock someone away under the ISA and then forget about investigations or more importantly, that under our Constitution (and my apologies for that over-worn cliche, a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Let's not pay mere lip service to our Constitutionally enshrined inalienable human rights, and make it a walkover for the ACA or Polis Diraja.

H J Angus said...

donplaypuks
thanks for your comments.

I guess based on the contents of your blog, your ideas are not meant to be taken seriously?

Donplaypuks® said...

Dear Angus,

Thank you too for your response.

Satire is one time-honoured way of exploring the subject of politics, economy, social behaviour etc.

There are enough bloggers and columnists who can give you the straight expose.

My view is, if I can get readers to laugh as well, then very often they may get to the end of one's writing and understand it.

So, I am serious in my endeavour, but take the less trodden path.

But my views on the blanket usage of 'National Security' by Ministers and law enforcers remains unchanged. Prove your case in court.
http://donplaypuks.blogspot.com

PeterP said...

I agree with both of you. Using the ISA in cases like this and the IC/MyKad issue in Sabah previously, only leads one to the conclusion that it is a cover-up to protect some higher-ups. Give us a thorough investigation and charge in court as necessary. Otherwise don't make headlines and later give lateral transfer the parties concerned. Innocence or guilt must be clearly established.

H J Angus said...

peterp
thanks for being a peacemaker.

donplaypuks
I agree entirely with your second comments that too often cases have been covered up as "national security" matters.