Corruption as a way of life
Few serving prime ministers have made as many public speeches condemning corruption as Abhisit Vejjajiva. He also transformed some of those words into deeds by forcing the resignation of a deputy minister at the Public Heath Ministry when graft became an issue. But it would be wishful thinking to assume that any significant progress has been made in changing the mindset of the public and private sectors, and that includes the attitude of some key players in government.
While the majority has long condemned corruption in public, privately many treat bribery as a fact of life. No one, though, has anything positive to say about it as it remains a core factor in the public's discontent with the social, economic and political imbalances within the country.
This will become apparent in the wake of the July 3 election, when businessmen who love to complain about the greed of elected public officials compete for the most advantageous links to the new decision-makers and those who control the money flow. To do otherwise might put them at a disadvantage or open the door to their competitors and jeopardise future favours or government contracts. But while this practice of putting profits before principles may be understandable, it is exasperating because it perpetuates the cycle of corruption. It is always a joy to see those companies known to practice a high standard of ethics doing well and businessmen who call for a change in unscrupulous government behaviour actually being prepared to change their own way of doing things as well.
No one envies the Election Commission in its task of organising clean and fair polls. The problems it faces go beyond vote buying and outright fraud, and include a lack of confidence in the whole process. A global survey conducted by Transparency International last year found that few people trust their governments or politicians. Eight out of 10 people interviewed said they believed political parties to be corrupt or extremely corrupt, while half the people questioned said their government's action to stop corruption was ineffective.
Although we have two major and seven minor agencies responsible for ridding us of corruption, human nature being what it is, they will not succeed in completely eliminating it. All they ever see is the proverbial tip of the iceberg. If it is possible to reduce the level of corruption that our society is willing to tolerate, then that will be a good start. Attitudes have toughened in recent years but public perceptions still fall short of treating those who make graft a way of life with the contempt they deserve. Society should deny them any respect. That is not happening at present.
If we are to attract greater foreign investment and reform the worst aspects of the system we live by, then there should be no place for outstretched hands or a continuation of "business as usual" when the new administration takes office after the elections. We know that the factors usually blamed for increased corruption are the rise of consumerism, the patronage system and inadequate salaries. But behind them lie greed, public indifference and an absence of shame. These are the attitudes that need to change.
Of course it is much easier to condemn corrupt practices than it is to actually eradicate them. But we can start by enforcing the many laws that already exist to fight the "kickback culture". We can also use motivational techniques to rectify the apparent lack of civic duty among those guiding the workforce. And, of course, promote leadership at all levels of society that actually set a positive example worth following.
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