Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

How true the time tested adage is. Look at the situations taking place in some of the third world countries led by corrupt dictators, whose only common concern is to milk and siphon for themselves as much resources from their respective countries' resources at the expense of the masses. The longer they stay in power, greater will be their created wealth. It is really frightening to see what is happening in Middle East and Northern part of Africa. The protest started in Tunisia spread rapidly to Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and now Syria.

The uprisings were fomented not by old people but by young and able adults who could not find employment for years on end. With the standofish and tyrannical leaders, which tend to be suppressive and oppressive in their style of management, these same masses have in due course become impoverished, lost their dignity, patience and self-esteem. In consequence, mass social discontent develops and proliferates to an intolerable proportion. The spontaneous spread of people's power became so strong a changing wind that it has brought down and contiunue to bring down several national leaders within weeks.

Because of the mass protests which took place at vantage places of various cities, they disrupted traffic and shops had to be forced to close. There were lootings going on and fights erupted between the security forces and the civilians which resulted in many being injured and killed. Tourists cancelled their tours and economies of affected countries suffer.

In my view looking beyond the border of mere protests, there is a great lesson to be learned. In governing a nation, it is important that that leaders be people oriented having consideration for their social economic welfare, be incorrupt and dedicated to the development and progress of the country.

Leaders should not be egocentric and despotic - merely caring for and enriching their own selfish interest. Besides, they must be altruistic in outlook and do things for the benefits of their citizens without regards to race, creed, religion and political affiliation. Human rights must be protected, advanced and developed to the highest possible potential. Bigotted racists and religionists shall have no place in decision and policy making within any governmental institution. Leaders at all levels must ensure that people's freedom of movement, expression and religion shall not be tampered with.

War is regrettable and lamentable. When war erupts, innocent lives are unavoidably killed; thereby reducing one's country manpower resources. Bereaved families will suffer when their bread winners are killed. Worst of all innocent civilians are being used as human shield against advance and modern warfare.

As I see it, human beings have never learned their bitter lessons from wars. No wonder history keeps on repeating itself; each time, in greater intensity and destruction. Should learned or educated people behave as such? If education produces people who cannot think for themselves and the good of others, then its policy must have failed the nation. Those in authority should revisit the prevailing policy and amend it where need be.

Dishonesty amd corruptibility are the two evilest pillars that invariably lead to the downfall of any nation in the long run. From what has been reported, each year billions of dollars have been illegally siphoned out of the country and parked in some tax haven countries. This has the effect of having less money for the national and human development. As a result, the people will suffer.

Our Malaysian leaders under the UNMO/BN regime are no different compared to those overseas countries currently plagued with mass protests. Billions of Ringgit are being squandered by these politicians through through jacked-up price purchases, investments and infrastructural. They continue to raid the EPF - the hard earned savings of workers - to bail out ailing or ailed GLCs and invest in purchase of expensive real estates overseas that the local people will never benefit from them. Corruption is languishing the country at all levels. If this continues unchecked, one fine day, Malaysia will wake up to find that they are on the brink of bankruptcy.

Let us look at the vast illicit amount of wealth that the CM of Sarawak has created for his dynasty as is reported by the media, Radio Sarawak and blog of BMF. The information is most revealing and calls for immediate investigative actions from the MACC and Bank Negara. The extent of money laundering is unimaginable for a man to have amassed such great fortune during one's lifetime. His assets worldwide must be confiscated and be returned to the people. That person and any such person shall be punished by the appropriate authority as a deterrent to others.

Let us get rid of corruption and corrupt leaders from our midst in a concerted effort to save one's country from plunging into despair, despondency and economic destruction.