GEORGE TOWN: An academic has suggested that courses against discrimination, hatred, and inequality would serve better than the government’s proposal for integrity and anti-corruption courses in universities
Zaharom Nain, an academic and the chair of the Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak), was sceptical about the idea as he said corruption cannot be taught through courses at universities.
He also argued that educating the youth on the dangers of corruption is inadequate since political and religious leaders in the country have failed to show good examples.
“Seriously, how successful can an anti-corruption course be when there are political leaders openly parading ugly but obscenely expensive outfits and watches in public which they clearly can’t afford on their salaries?” he said.
“Cakap tak serupa bikin (they don’t walk the talk).
“It is better to have courses in schools or universities that instil worthwhile values on combating discrimination, hatred, and inequality – rather than a silly, technical anti-corruption course.”
He said the practice and culture of corruption were the consequence of a wider political-economic system of exploitation, material comfort and the maximisation of profit, and “no amount of teaching” about the technicalities of corruption would help curb it.
Zaharom, who is a communications professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, said the government had given “very little” thought in the formulation of the course. He questioned how effective it would be, when teaching professionals themselves were alleged to be involved in corrupt practices.
Better to hold it in schools, say activists
However, Nurhayati Nordin of anti-corruption grassroots movement Rasuah Busters was more welcoming of the idea. She suggested that the course be complemented with informal teaching mechanisms such as conferences, engagement with anti-corruption civil society groups, and simulation activities.
“These informal teaching methods are equally important (as the course) to mitigate potential breeding grounds for corruption among the youths and students,” she told FMT.
The NGO chief also called for the higher education ministry to evaluate the course to measure the effectiveness of its syllabus and ensure that it meets the government’s expectations.
She also called for a similar course to be taught in schools as well.
Transparency International Malaysia president Muhammad Mohan agreed.
“It will be difficult to change university students’ mindsets (on corruption) if their parents and teachers in the primary and secondary schools did not teach them correct values from a younger age,” he told FMT.
He said the course should be made compulsory at the undergraduate level instead of being just an elective. The course could be useful for university undergraduates to learn about the MACC Act 2009, types of corruption and punishment for corrupt acts.
Last week, the special cabinet committee on anti-corruption decided that an integrity and anti-corruption course would be made compulsory in universities from next year.
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