By Nurin Nazifa
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 January 2022: The author of œCorruption and Hypocrisy in Malay-Muslim Politics: The Urgency of Moral Ethical Transformation, Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan, described the present political climate in Malaysia as Machiavellian, hence advocating for a new leadership paradigm.
“I’ve been witnessing the country’s political growth over 70 years, and I think things are becoming worse,” Kamal stated on Awani’s ˜Consider This programme on Friday (7 January).
The Muslim academic scholar conveys not only his deep disappointment but also a sense of shame, driven by his perception of severe moral decay in Malaysia’s politics and governance.
Kamal highlighted Malay nationalism as a role, saying that nationalists originally emerged intending to improve the Malays’ economic situation.
However, he claimed that Malay leaders have become increasingly corrupt as a result of the lack of discipline imposed by ethics and solid religious principles.
œThe political paradigm acquired from the British, which separated religion from politics, has resulted in the current situation, in which corruption and hypocrisy have taken root in the country’s governance, said Kamal.
Kamal said he has also been noticing the double standards in which politicians say one thing in public and contradict it in private, ignoring promises made.
œHowever, because this is a widespread practice, nationalist leaders are used to it. They believe that once you enter politics, you can never be too honest or direct, he added.
The author and professor urged ethical Malay leaders, youth, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help transform Malaysia’s political paradigm.
Even though more time is required, Kamal is hopeful that young and promising leaders will make fighting corruption a top priority for a better Malaysia.
œCorruption and Hypocrisy in Malay-Muslim Politics is the academic’s first book on Malay politics, and he wrote it to address the corruption that has persisted in the country’s political sphere.***
Source: The Vibes and Astro Awani