“Reduced to the same level of ridicule is the Transparency International’s latest global report on corruption in judicial systems where Malaysia is ranked very highly – No. 9 in the world! This ranking is so ridiculous that Malaysians, whether in public or private sector, reacted in disbelief and incredibility and no Cabinet Minister dare to come forward to boast about it, knowing he or she will become an instant national joke” – YB Kit.

As reported, according to the judicial corruption report, 59,661 people from all the countries were surveyed between June and September last year. TI did not indicate the number of respondents per country. “We also don’t know who these people are. Are they foreign investors in other countries or are they residing in Malaysia? What is the ratio of foreigners versus locals?” said TI Malaysia chairperson Ramon Navaratnam.

But it may also be a joke on us who have criticized the government that in spite of the rhetoric on war against corruption, corruption has become or perceived more rife based on TI’s Corruption Perception Index, which recorded Malaysia’s falling in rank to 44 out of 163.

Whilst (a) TI’s Corruption Perception Index is not the same as or to be confused with (b) TI’s survey (perceived judicial corruption) as Ramon pointed out, why are however the methods used and conclusions in (a) accepted without question by critics of the government but not (b)?

What possible reason could be Malaysia perceived ranking very highly – No. 9 in respect of the survey on judicial corruption?

Maybe it’s because this is the ONLY country whose judicial head – the Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim – was so transparent and honest to (YB Kit’s words) “drop a bombshell at the swearing-in ceremony of eight new judicial commissioners in Putrajaya on Thursday when he exposed gross judicial misconduct in the judiciary, including:

• Judges who accept bribes;
• Judges who were often seen socializing with lawyers, prosecutors and corporate figures while hearing their cases in court; and
• Judges who were “constantly angry and foul-tempered”.
See Blog thread “Judges who accept bribes” Ahmad Fairuz must take action or step down as chief justice in link – http://blog.limkitsiang.com/?p=34

“If no CF was issued, why was the court complex allowed to be used?”

Maybe (speculation, not sure) the issuance of CF requires many govt departments and agencies to give the Ok and for one reason or another govt need to commission the use of court complex without further delay.

But at levels of each of the many departments want their kopi money before approving or taking the approval to next tier or department.

Surely the government cannot pay kick backs to its own employees, so better dispense with the CF, not realizing it is the same corruption that has made contractors and sub-contractors give shoddy materials and workmanship.

It is the same cancer. Now many of you may not believe it, but it is could be so bad that if a powerful cabinet minister wants to expedite certain application requiring various departments’ approvals and cooperation, even he (plus PM’s written directive) is not assured he would get a quick response without greasing the palms at all relevant levels.

Bureaucrats are experts in finding excuses why this or that ought further to be done, file misplaced or application not in correct form and does not provide complete annexure of supporting documents whatever but magically everything Ok once money is paid.

That is why the PM called them little Napoleons. They don’t defer to his or other ministers’ authority. Everyone takes the view that where they are – the particular corner in which they operate within the department – is his fiefdom : everyone else going right up has their niche and fiefdom to be subsidized for their work and exertion. This is to correct the historical imbalance caused by the colonials.

Honour is important, even amongst theives and the corrupt. If you don’t honour obligations after Duit kopi, when is the next one coming? Referrals I mean? Then you have guys who follow the law, do nothing illegal, and are not engaged in corruption but who don’t honour any promise they make that is not legally binding! I don’t know who is worse.