By Remy Majangkim
What is the definition of ‘corruption’?
“Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offence that is undertaken by a person or an organisation that is entrusted in a position of authority to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one’s gain.”
Does this ring a bell when you think of the recent corruption scandals swirling around Sabah’s political scene?
To understand the role of corruption in business, I have gathered questions for experienced colleagues:
Does corruption ever justify business outcomes? Some claim it is a grey area—calling it gratitude, goodwill, or a simple ‘thank you’, sometimes given in red packets.
The motivation, they say, is to maintain relationships, yet these actions raise challenging questions about intent and ethics.
Yet, this practice can shift from gratitude to corruption when abused by greed. For example, a businessperson recalled sending funds to an official as a gesture of thanks for favourable treatment.
In front of others, the official took the money and dismissed the ceremonial envelope, claiming that he only wanted the money, not the envelope, showing how these traditions can lose integrity and become a source of discomfort and embarrassment.
The distinction between goodwill and corruption is critical to the fabric of society. Gestures of thanks can smooth daily interactions, but for those in power, such actions can descend into corruption, undermining public trust. Unchecked, it damages institutions and corrodes leadership.
Recent events in Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines show the consequences: leaders enrich themselves while colleagues stay silent to keep their positions, compounding the damage.
Sabahans now face a crucial choice: will they challenge or tolerate corruption among politicians? Social media exposes actions in ways newspapers never could, giving voters unprecedented clarity.
The future depends on whether Sabahans seize this opportunity to hold leaders accountable.
