THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has issued a stern warning against the normalisation of so-called ‘hush money’ and minor favours used to conceal wrongdoing, calling it a dangerous seed of corruption that risks undermining future generations.
Kuala Lumpur MACC director Mohamad Zakkuan Talib said such practices, though seemingly trivial, are often the starting point of broader systemic corruption.
“Parents must instil honesty and trustworthiness from an early age. Don’t normalise giving ‘hush money’ to hide mistakes. Likewise, paying for ‘cables’ (connections) must stop. That’s where corruption begins, often unnoticed,” he told reporters at the Desa Bebas Rasuah 2025 programme held at Dataran KAMARA, Kampung Malaysia Raya on Sunday.
He likened corruption to a fire that, if ignored, can engulf institutions and entire societies.
“Corruption is like fire. It may seem small, but left unchecked, it can burn homes, villages and entire nations. When students buy exam answers or village leaders show favouritism due to bribes, public trust begins to erode,” he said.
While the MACC can investigate and prosecute cases, Zakkuan emphasised that genuine success in stamping out corruption depends on a shift in mindset, beginning at the grassroots level.
“Integrity starts with ‘I’. If civil servants, students and community leaders are clean, so too will be the nation,” he said.
Since taking office four months ago, Zakkuan noted an increase in public tip-offs, attributing the rise to greater outreach and awareness of whistleblower protections and rewards for credible information leading to convictions.
The anti-corruption initiative on Sunday was supported by several government bodies including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), and National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), with Bank Islam as a strategic partner.
Activities included an anti-graft forum titled ‘Building a Corruption-Free Generation’, featuring actor Ebby Yus and local leader Khairul Salleh Hasan, alongside exhibitions, free health screenings, children’s integrity-themed colouring contests, ‘Jualan Rahmah’ stalls, and lucky draws. - October 5, 2025
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