Search By : Nurrul Ezani Abdul Malek | Account Asistant Internal Audit Division UPM

 

Every day, there many cases of corruption reported by the media. The perpetrators are from various positions, ages and regardless of race. Most of the corrupt offenders are 'smart people' and have certain positions, who have abused their advantages.

They live as usual and cleverly hide the crimes committed. They are all around us. In fact, maybe people we know or our close friends all along.

Corruption is an evil act that has no victims. The giver and the receiver of bribery, both are people who earn a profit. In other words, they conspired together to commit the heinous crime.

Unlike other crimes that clearly have a 'victim'. In criminal cases such as fraud, murder, rape and breach of trust, the victim will make a complaint to the authorities. Next, be a witness in court.

The unique nature of the crime of corruption makes it difficult to detect. In a classic corruption incident, it is almost impossible for the person who has benefited to come forward to make a complaint to the authorities.

The crime of corruption will only be known when there are parties who do not agree and are not satisfied with the corrupt activities that take place. These are the ones who will file a complaint.

Although difficult to detect, it is not impossible to recognize those involved in corruption. Certain symptoms, signs and 'red-flags' can be clues to their activities. This article will provide guidance to recognize individuals who may be involved in corruption based on the following five symptoms.

 

1. Sudden Luxurious Lifestyle

The first symptom is a sudden change to a lavish lifestyle. There is nothing wrong if the change is due to legitimate income or assets. It is also not wrong for someone to become wealthy. However, it becomes an offense when that wealth results from illegal activities.

Examples include purchasing high-value properties, excessive home renovations, buying luxury vehicles, collecting expensive watches, and owning handbags worth hundreds of thousands of ringgit. Other red flags include frequently being seen indulging in luxury, traveling abroad in business class, and excessively entertaining friends and colleagues, such as hosting grand meals at luxury hotels.

 

2. Inability to Explain the Source of Wealth

The second symptom is the inability to explain the source of wealth, closely related to the first symptom of a luxurious lifestyle. Despite their riches, they cannot explain its origin because it comes from illegitimate sources. If discovered, they would undoubtedly face investigation and punishment. According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act 2009), during an investigation, the MACC can request anyone to declare their assets and income sources. It is an offense to deliberately fail to comply with an MACC notice to declare assets or to make a false declaration.

Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 states that failure to comply with an asset declaration notice can lead to imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to RM100,000. Section 36(3) of the same act provides penalties for individuals unable to reasonably explain excess assets. Upon conviction, they may face up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine five times the value of the excess assets.

 

3. Reluctance to Accept Promotions

The third symptom is reluctance to accept promotions, preferring to remain in the same position or workplace. While some honest reasons for staying include wanting to remain close to family, avoiding new or greater responsibilities, and being comfortable with current work, it can also signal corruption. For high-risk positions, especially in enforcement and procurement, remaining in one place for too long can lead to corruption.

Unethical officers exploit their knowledge and skills for personal gain. Staying in the same role for an extended period allows them to identify clients willing to offer bribes for specific favors. This benefit makes them comfortable staying in one place, unconcerned about promotions or salary increases because they have other, more lucrative 'income' sources.

 

4. Frequent Suspicious Phone Calls

The fourth symptom is frequently receiving suspicious phone calls. Personal calls from loved ones can be easily distinguished from those related to 'dark dealings.' Nervous reactions, suspicious facial expressions, and excessive efforts to conceal conversation details are signs that something is amiss. Corruption is a 'transaction' conducted in secret. Therefore, all communications are covert and must not be overheard by others.

 

5. Excessively Close Relationships with Clients

The fifth symptom is an unusually close relationship with departmental or company clients. Examples include vacationing together, frequent dining, and regularly receiving gifts.

While close relationships due to family ties, friendship, or neighborhood connections are understandable, such closeness in official dealings can raise suspicions and become a topic of gossip. It is important to note that clients, such as contractors, often seek to establish close ties with specific officers solely for their benefit. Every gift comes with an expectation.

A specific warning for public servants: Accepting gifts or valuable items from parties with official dealings can constitute a criminal offense under Section 165 of the Penal Code.

Conclusion

Recognizing the symptoms of corruption is crucial for supervisors and organizational leaders. Other signs to watch include repeated misconduct complaints against the same individual.

When these signs appear, further observation and investigation are necessary. These indicators signal that an officer may be involved in corruption, fraud, or misconduct.

Subsequently, corrective and punitive actions must be taken. If advice proves ineffective, an immediate report to the authorities is required. Although firm actions by supervisors may be unpopular, they are essential to prevent corruption from becoming a widespread issue within the organization.

 

Written by:

Mohamad Tarmize bin Abdul Manaf
Pengarah Bahagian Pemantauan dan Penyelarasan 
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM)

Source : https://www.sprm.gov.my/index.php?id=21&page_id=103&contentid=3177&cat=BKH

Date of Input: 24/02/2025 | Updated: 25/04/2025 | faiz_suparman