KUALA LUMPUR : Corruption sets into every society, and it has to
be purged continuously and at the highest levels to keep a society
clean.
This was the thrust of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's keynote
address on fighting corruption at the think-tank Asian Strategy and
Leadership Institute (Asli).
Mr Lee said: "Singapore has been consistently ranked as the most
transparent government in Asia. However, do not believe that there
is no corruption in Singapore."
With that line, Mr Lee went on to explain how ethical leadership
can prove to be a competitive advantage for many Third World
countries.
Using Singapore as an example, he said the Corrupt Practices
Investigation Bureau looked at 145 substantial corruption cases
last year.
But he stressed, the anti-corruption drive had to come right from
the very top and must not become systemic.
Mr Lee said: "When the core leadership is clean, corruption can be
gradually diminished. Both must be prepared to take on the highest
echelons of government."
But the process can be painful.
Mr Lee related how former National Development Minister Teh Cheang
Wan committed suicide when under investigation for
corruption.
"Teh preferred to take his own life rather than face disgrace and
ostracism," he said.
Mr Lee also highlighted some measures to keep corruption at bay in
Singapore, such as high Minister pay to prevent kickbacks and an
elected president for checks and balances against the
government.
During the lively question-and-answer session that followed, Mr Lee
fielded more anti- corruption questions, such as how allegations
must be nipped in the bud and prevented from spreading.
Mr Lee said: "Because if you allow it to pass, by sheer repetition
in the coffee shops and hawker centres, people will believe there
is a fire when there is so much smoke." - CNA/de
