UNLIKE many Third World countries, Malaysia has remained stable and peaceful, without major internal upheavals, and the government is changed through the ballot box rather than bullets.

Despite this, the country is in the midst of a host of internal crises which could undermine long-term stability.

The government seems to be preoccupied with personal animosities and rivalries when it should be addressing basic issues such as the consolidation of democracy, greater tolerance of political differences and eradicating corruption.

The talk of probity in public life, especially today, may look like an attempt at breeding vegetarian carnivores.

The issue of probity and corruption is discussed in practically every coffee shop today, and inevitably it becomes mere conversation.

Everybody will come up with one story of corruption he has come across. Then the conversation will veer towards cynicism and with the conclusion that nothing can be done.

Widespread corruption today is a monument to the shameful reality that probity in our public life is at a very low level.

One of the reasons for the lack of probity is the dilution of responsibilities, which leads to a lack of accountability and low standards of governance, thanks to political interference in matters that should be left to those who are trained for the job.

What characterises a country are politicians of sterling character, integrity, foresight, elegant articulation, and, above all, a high sense of pragmatism and dedication to the country, all of which seem to suggest we have a long ride ahead.

Politics cannot be kept apart from morality. It has to be re-built on a true and reliable foundation: individual honesty.

NOEL F. D’OLIVEIRO, Ipoh

Source: NST – August 1, 2008