Malaysia’s fight against corruption will remain an uphill battle unless authorities take firm action against both those who offer bribes and those who accept them, according to former Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.
He argued that the country’s current legal enforcement leaves room for corruption to continue, as public attention and legal action are often focused mainly on the recipients of bribes. In many high-profile cases reported by the media, those prosecuted are largely civil servants and politicians, many of whom happen to be Bumiputera.
“The people offering the bribes often escape punishment altogether,” he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Tuesday.
Drawing from his business experience in Hong Kong and Shanghai, Raja Nong Chik said corruption levels in both cities dropped significantly after authorities introduced firm and balanced legal action against both parties involved in bribery. He believes Malaysia could achieve similar results if it adopts the same approach.
According to him, individuals and companies would think twice before attempting to offer bribes if they knew they faced the same legal consequences as those receiving them. He stressed that stronger enforcement would act as a powerful deterrent and help improve the country’s integrity.
Commenting further on efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s anti-corruption agenda, Raja Nong Chik claimed that corrupt practices remain widespread across both lower and higher levels of society. He alleged that some individuals linked to recent corruption cases continue engaging in such activities openly despite already enjoying considerable wealth.
He warned that this culture has created an unhealthy business environment, particularly for young Bumiputera and Malay entrepreneurs trying to establish themselves. Many newcomers, he said, simply do not have the financial means to pay bribes, making it more difficult for them to grow their businesses fairly.
“What is even more worrying is that some who eventually succeed feel pressured to follow the same corrupt practices just to keep their businesses running. We must admit that this culture is still widespread, and it sends a terrible message to the next generation,” he said.
Raja Nong Chik called on the government to tighten enforcement by ensuring that companies and individuals who offer bribes are punished alongside those who receive them. He said closing existing legal loopholes is essential if Malaysia is serious about building a cleaner, more transparent future free from corruption.
