If you’ve ever wanted to buy a luxurious handbag or go on an expensive holiday, you’re not alone. Sometimes, people are willing to do just about anything to achieve the lifestyle they want.
The recent findings of the Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Action 2020 by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have shown that 55% of Malaysian youths still actively participate in bribes when given the opportunity.
As reported by Astro Awani, Malaysian Youth Council president Jufitri Joha explained that these findings are due to the fact that youths want to seem more well off than they actually are. They also lack an understanding of the implications of crime due to corruption.
KELANA JAYA 18 OCTOBER 2018. Presiden Majlis Belia Malaysia, Jufitri Joha. NSTP/SADDAM YUSOFF
“Some of our generations want to be seen as luxurious and stylish even if it is beyond their means. Meaning it exceeds their salary capability level.
“Secondly, we can see that the younger generation especially can’t understand the implication bribery has on the nation in terms of the nation losing income.”
“And what we are most worried about are those who should get their rights but are denied of them due to corruption,” he said.
MACC has conducted various awareness programmes to educate youths on the implications of bribery. And yet, despite these efforts, youths still fail to appreciate these efforts as shown by MACC data.
“We are at a loss seeing how the law is still not a mechanism that can prevent this from happening. We did not expect one hundred per cent compliance, but taking into consideration the legal implications of it, we expected the percentage to at least drop,” he explained.
Jufitri urges all young Malaysians to look past the temporary happiness that comes with a luxurious lifestyle and to place more value on their lives instead.
Also read: KLIA Immigration Officer Arrested For Accepting RM22,000 Bribe To Release Detainees From China
