As you know, 19 Nov is GE15 for us to vote for honest politicians to govern our country. Voters must remember that not so long ago, Malaysia was the biggest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Moreover, we are still the 16th biggest petroleum producer in the world. Yet, we could not be classified as a Developed Nation. Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea which do not even have timber to build their houses are classified as fully Developed Nations.

In 1970 our GDP per capita was about the same as Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea. Currently, the GDP per capita of Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea are 3 times, 2.5 times and 2 times our respectively.

When Singapore separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, the exchange rate was 1 Ringgit to 1 Singapore Dollar. The current exchange rate is Rm 3.40 to one Singapore Dollar?  Why???

The biggest culprit is corruption.   

1 Loophole: Selling state land?

State land is the biggest asset for the government and politicians control land sales. They are always tempted to accept bribes and misuse their power to sell land at cheaper prices to their cronies.    

2 Loophole: Land use?

The state town planner and the planning committee control the land use. Members of the planning committee are usually politicians and they have the right to allow the use of the land to be changed from agriculture land to building land to increase the land value.

To further increase the land value is to change domestic use to commercial use. A multi storey shop can cost a lot more than a domestic house.

To further increase the land value is to allow higher building density, to change low rise the high rise buildings. For example to allow 2 storey to 10 storey. This change is like creating more land, like printing money. This is a big loophole for corruption.

3 Loophole: Issue of licenses and permits?

Politicians who are committee members for the issue of licenses and permits have great opportunities to accept bribes. They can issue license or permit to open a lucrative business like opening a bank or financial institution or to produce electric vehicles which are not available locally.  

Another example, to issue a permit to generate electricity for sale to LLN or the Government.

Another example, to allow the construction of a toll road to collect toll forever.

4 Loophole: Government procurements?  

Every year the government spends billions of Ringgits to buy things, office buildings, roads, electricity, water supply and many other infrastructures. Politicians who are in control of the Government expenditure are always tempted to accept bribes. Politicians can negotiate the prices to procure anything for the Government.   

The best way to plug all these loopholes is to have open competitive tender for all contracts. Politicians should not be allowed to negotiate with contractors or suppliers to fix the price for any procurement.  

Highest inflation rate in the last 10 years:

Voters should read this article and forward it to all the people on your contact lists so that they will not vote for those corrupted politicians.