Tuesday, November 07, 2006
We are more corrupt than last year
The Prime Minister's electoral promise of wiping out graft in society has gone up in smoke after the latest Transparency International Corruption Perception Index 2006 condemmed Malaysia to 44th spot - a drop of five rungs from last year's 39th position. It is no wonder he has pleaded for more time to turn things around, as this is strong evidence that he has essentially, failed to keep his 2003 electoral promise to Malaysians. UMNO newspaper, the New Straits Times, has given this new TI survey ample coverage. The problems are mounting for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi so soon to the much-awaited UMNO General Assembly later this month. While the New Straits Times is controlled by Abdullah's people, it is not too inconceivable to imagine that efforts to undermine his leadership has already begun, by influential UMNO members unhappy with his performance as Prime Minister. In recent days, people linked to the Prime Minister such as the influential Brendan Peirera and head honcho Kalimullah Hassan have taken a beating from within - first with Brendan's faux pas involving a certain article written about the September 11 terrorist attacks, and then the harsh UMNO attacks mounted on Kali's new Malay Mail after it resorted to a "smut-fest" in its recent weekend edition, to hold up its sagging circulation.
The Deputy Prime Minister, no less, came out leading the attacks on the Malay Mail, indirectly gunning for Abdullah's media proxy. Can we assume that the night of the long knives are just around the corner? I do not yet think that, but if the Prime Minister continues to vaccilate and gives more attention to his overseas trips rather than take a deep interest in the running of the country, that day could be sooner than later.
Meanwhile, as the domestic battles pick up, Malaysia's attitude towards corruption is, as always, closely monitored by foreign investors. A drop in Malaysia's international ranking, which also condems us to a lowly 10th spot amongst 25 Asia Pacific countries, complicates the Prime Minister's assurances that he has the economy under control. Going by this latest TI results, he does not.
TI Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam expressed his disappointment about the latest finding, adding that TI is highly regarded by foreign investors, and that it does have a noticable impact on the country's economic and political interests. Will UMNO delegates bring this issue up during the General Assembly? If the economy continues to be sluggish, UMNO will be the first to feel the pain. The bottom line is, that the Prime Minister has failed in battling corruption. Enough time has been afforded him. Now, how will UMNO deal with him? ¶ 10:38 AM
The Deputy Prime Minister, no less, came out leading the attacks on the Malay Mail, indirectly gunning for Abdullah's media proxy. Can we assume that the night of the long knives are just around the corner? I do not yet think that, but if the Prime Minister continues to vaccilate and gives more attention to his overseas trips rather than take a deep interest in the running of the country, that day could be sooner than later.
Meanwhile, as the domestic battles pick up, Malaysia's attitude towards corruption is, as always, closely monitored by foreign investors. A drop in Malaysia's international ranking, which also condems us to a lowly 10th spot amongst 25 Asia Pacific countries, complicates the Prime Minister's assurances that he has the economy under control. Going by this latest TI results, he does not.
TI Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam expressed his disappointment about the latest finding, adding that TI is highly regarded by foreign investors, and that it does have a noticable impact on the country's economic and political interests. Will UMNO delegates bring this issue up during the General Assembly? If the economy continues to be sluggish, UMNO will be the first to feel the pain. The bottom line is, that the Prime Minister has failed in battling corruption. Enough time has been afforded him. Now, how will UMNO deal with him? ¶ 10:38 AM
