The issue of corruption has now become an endemic problem in the country. Corruption appears to be a norm or culture in Malaysian society, whether consciously or unconsciously. As a matter of fact, Malaysia is ranked 62 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2021, down five rungs compared to 2020. This decrease indicates an increase in corrupt activities in the country because the lower the position of a country (first place, for example), the less corrupt activities occur in that country. This has given a negative perception of Malaysia by foreign countries.
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is a ranking released by Transparency International (TI), a global movement working in over 100 countries to end the injustice of corruption. According to experts and entrepreneurs, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.
Transparency International (TI) defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development, and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division, and the environmental crisis.
Corruption can also manifest in a variety of ways, including:
- Public servants demand or accept money or favours in exchange for services.
- Politicians misuse public funds or grant public jobs or contracts to their sponsors, friends, and families.
- Corporations bribe officials to get lucrative deals.
Prohibition of Corruption
The prohibition of corruption has been mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 188, which translates:
"And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]."
Views of Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar
According to him, the punishment for corruption and financial fraud should be based on the national ijtihad at the time, based on the severity and impact of the offense. It could be more severe than hudud's punishment. If corruption is widespread, the justice system will be in complete disarray.
Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar also classified corruption and financial fraud as crimes against the country, on par with rebellion and treason. This is because its effects and consequences are comprehensive to the state system, systemic, pervasive, and irreversible, just like the crimes of insurrection and treason.
He also argued that a prohibition on corruption should be included under the maqasid in the perspective of property care (or life care because of its impact not only on the property but also on the system of life). Furthermore, he also perceives corruption and financial fraud as Islamic crimes akin to stealing, robbery, adultery, drinking alcohol, etc.
Conclusion
Corruption ruins a country. It is the root for issues such as the economic downturn and the disdain for community interests. Rejecting the consequences of corrupt activities is also part of the Maqasid Shariah. Therefore, there is a need for cooperation between the government, society, and the rest of the world to eradicate and combat corruption. Avoid corruption as the Prophet SAW said in a hadith:
"The curse of Allah is upon the one who offers a bribe and the one who accepts it."