Article Search By : Puan Nurul Ezani Abdul Malek

 

 

The failure to explain the cause of wealth acquisition is closely related to the change in luxury lifestyle. Despite the abundance of wealth, they are unable to explain the cause of the luxury. The reason is very simple. They get it from illegal sources.

Every day, there are only 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.

The first symptom is a sudden change in luxurious lifestyle. It is not wrong if the change is due to legitimate income or property. It is not wrong for someone to be rich. However, it is a crime when the wealth is the result of illegal activities.

Examples of luxury lifestyle changes are the purchase of high-value real estate, extravagant house renovations, buying luxury vehicles, expensive watch collections and handbags costing hundreds of thousands of ringgit.

Another symptom or 'red-flag' that needs to be paid attention to is always seen spending lavishly, often going on holiday abroad in business class, and likes to celebrate with friends and colleagues excessively, for example, eating big in luxury hotels.

The second symptom is the failure to explain the cause of property acquisition. This second sign is related to the first symptom which is a change in luxurious lifestyle.

Despite the abundance of wealth, they are unable to explain the cause of the luxury. The reason is very simple. They get it from illegal sources. If, the matter is known to people, it is certain that they will be investigated and punished.

Based on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act 2009), when conducting an investigation, the MACC can ask any person to declare their assets and sources of income. It is an offense when a person deliberately fails to comply with the MACC notice to declare property or make an untrue declaration.

Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 states that failure to comply with the MACC notice (to declare property) can be imprisoned for up to five years, and fined up to RM100,000. Section 36(3) of the same act provides an offense for individuals who fail to provide a reasonable explanation for their excess property or assets. If convicted, can be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of five times the excess value of property or assets.

The third symptom is not wanting to be promoted because you want to stay in your old position or workplace. Undoubtedly, among the honest reasons for staying in the old position are not wanting to be away from family, not willing to take on new or greater responsibilities, and being comfortable with the current job.

However, for high-risk positions, especially those involved in enforcement and procurement, too long in a workplace can open up opportunities for corruption.

An officer with no integrity will manipulate his knowledge and skills in a work process for his own benefit. Being in a position and place for too long allows the officer in question to identify customers who are willing to pay bribes to do certain things.

These benefits make them very comfortable working in a certain place and don't mind if they are not promoted and paid. The reason is, there is another 'income' that is more lucrative.

The fourth symptom is frequent receiving of suspicious phone calls. It can be distinguished between a personal phone call from a 'loved one' and a call from a party with a 'dark business'. More worried reactions, suspicious facial expressions and extreme measures to keep details of the discussion secret are indications that something is wrong.

Corruption is a 'transaction' done in secret. Therefore, all communication is covert and cannot be overheard by others.

The fifth symptom is too close a relationship with the client department or company. Examples of officer-customer relationships that can cause suspicion are going on vacation together, always going out to eat and often receiving gifts.

There is no problem if it is close due to family ties, friends and neighbours. However, close relationships involving official affairs can bring accusations and become the 'fruit of the mouth' of people.

It should be remembered that clients such as contractors do try to get along with certain officials, solely for their benefit. Every gift is not free, but something is expected.

Special warning for civil servants. The act of accepting gifts and valuables from parties who have official business, can be a criminal offense under Section 165 of the Penal Code.

In conclusion, knowing the symptoms of corruption is very important for supervisors and leaders of an organization. Another symptom or sign to watch out for is repeated complaints of misbehavior against the same person.

When these signs exist, observation and further investigation should be done. These signs signal that their officials may be involved in corruption, fraud or embezzlement.

Next, corrective and punitive actions must be taken. If, the advice has no effect, an immediate report should be made to the authorities. The supervisor's harsh actions may not be popular. However, will prevent corruption from becoming a cancer in the organization.

 

Artikel Prepared 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: 30/04/2024 | Updated: 30/04/2024 | faiz_suparman