Least Corrupt Country

Our neighbor Singapore earned the esteemed title of being the 4th least corrupt country. What an honor! Congratulations, Singapore!

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_161639.html?vgnmr=1

In the same breath, I have to lower my eyes downward in utter shame as I read the Malaysian papers where "polishing one's hands", "under the table", "duit kopi" is all too common to mean bribery. Bribery is rampant in every industry and nothing gets done without having to "grease" someone's hands and I do not mean that literally. Work gets done if there is a potential exchange of money -- from the office boys all the way to that of the directors. How sad!

Look at this news flash recently from the Star paper. Just to cite a few.

Cop faces three more money laundering charges Supt Azmi Osman, who was charged on Tuesday with three counts of money laundering totalling RM1.3mil, appeared in court again on Wednesday to answer two more counts of a similar charge involving RM2.8mil.

Panel to get appointment letters on Thursday The three-man panel formed to determine the authenticity of a controversial video clip implicating a senior lawyer brokering the appointments of judges will receive their appointment letters on Thursday.

Second syariah court official out on bail A syariah court official in Ipoh who was arrested for allegedly receiving bribes to settle a khalwat (close proximity) case has been released on bail.

Syariah court official remanded A senior official of the Perak syariah court detained for allegedly receiving bribes amounting to about RM4,000 to settle a khalwat (close proximity) case has been remanded for two days.

I highly doubt that Malaysia will ever get there but I guess I can always remember to say "Oh, Malaysia is right next to Singapore!" Maybe, just maybe (please God!) they may just think that we too are an honest nation (at least by association)!