Discharge duties efficiently or face the music

BY and large, our country has been spared natural disasters and calamities which wreak havoc and bring unimaginable suffering to the people.
But we are abusing our natural resources. Land erosion at Cameron Highlands and illegal logging in the east coast have caused bad floods. Now, bauxite mining has adversely affected not only the landscape but also the health of residents nearby.
Why do we continue to be faced with such man-made calamities?
There are critical issues facing Malaysia but our focus is diverted on imaginary adversaries like the potential harm that white crosses on rooftops and decorated trees at shopping malls can bring to the community at large.
The question foremost in the mind is where have the authorities been and what have they been doing all this time? This applies both at the Federal and state levels. Does it need a public uproar before they swing into action to clear up the mess which they should have been monitoring in the first place after the granting of approvals for bauxite mining?
Saying they were not aware of the consequences of such activities reflects their high level of ineptitude. What are these officers in public service being paid for? The rakyat has a right to expect the efficient discharge of duties.
The Government has said it is not necessary to enact the Misuse of Public Office Act as there are existing mechanisms in place to address the misdemeanours. The respective state secretaries and the Chief Secretary to the Government should give credence to this statement and use the existing “mechanisms” to take those responsible to task.
The MACC has commented that there may be elements of corruption in this case and that investigations will commence. Why should the MACC or any other enforcement agency have to enter the foray to clean up the mess created by lackadaisical officers?
If officers are indeed recipients of bribes, who are the givers? The Corporate Liability Provision which will allow corporates to be prosecuted has still not been enacted. The longer the delay in getting it enforced, the more the chances for corruption to thrive.
The first thing we should do is understand how to identify critical issues. Then, we should take the required remedial actions for the good of all citizens at large.
Let not our ineptitude to discharge our duties effectively and propensity to indulge in corrupt practices lead to our demise as a competitive and productive nation.
WALTER SANDOSAM
Kuala Lumpur

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