PETALING JAYA: The term that “cash is king” and the acceptance of corruption had already become part of the people’s culture, especially among Malays, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said those involved were not worried whether it was right or wrong and values were thrown out of the window as long they got cash or gifts they liked.
“Whether it was sinful or against the law, those involved did not care as long as they were able to satisfy their lust for money,“ Mahathir wrote in his blog Chedet.
He said the public is aware that bribery is wrong but those given to graft have no such qualms, they only want their greed to be satisfied even though it may have an adverse effect on the community.
“Patriotism and the impact of corruption are the last things on their minds. They have placed their lust for corruption above anything else,“ Mahathir said.
He said the problem arises when people start accepting corruption as a normal thing, as all sense of shame, either by the giver or receiver no longer exists.
He said corruption exists in all societies but those who practise it tend to hide it because they know it’s wrong and morally reprehensible.
He said graft will end up corrupting the society and those who accept this as part of their culture will no longer feel shy or embarrassed when accepting bribes.
