Reforming the GLC Ecosystem: A Key to Reducing Corruption in Malaysia
The Need for Transparency in Government-Linked Companies
PETALING JAYA: The web of government-linked companies (GLCs) must be subject to public scrutiny if there is to be meaningful reform in the war against corruption, according to a new book by Edmund Terence Gomez, a prominent economist and anti-corruption activist.
The Problem of Opacity in the GLC Ecosystem
Gomez writes that the opacity of the GLC ecosystem allowed governing elites to create public concessions and move them around without any transparency and accountability. This lack of transparency has led to grand corruption, where politicians in power create and distribute concessions through public policies.
The Role of GLCs in Public Policy Implementation and Rent Distribution
In his book, "Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia", Gomez highlights the importance of GLCs in public policy implementation and rent distribution. He argues that the GLC infrastructure connects the corporate sector and the political system, making it essential to reform the ecosystem to reduce corruption.
Reducing ‘Dark Money’ in the Political System
Reforms to the GLC ecosystem can reduce the amount of "dark money" in the political system, which is defined as funds raised to influence elections by organisations that are not required to disclose the identities of their donors. Gomez believes that publicising the role of GLCs in promoting economic and corporate development can prevent public concessions from being channelled to well-connected companies, party members, and the electorate in strategic constituencies.
Curbing Clientelism through GLC Reform
Reform of the GLC ecosystem can also curb "clientelism", or the selective allocation of public resources in exchange for political support. Gomez describes clientelism as another form of grand corruption, characterised by the presence of high-level public officials, the abuse of power, and the appropriation of public resources to accumulate wealth.
Conclusion
To combat corruption in Malaysia, it is essential to reform the GLC ecosystem and increase transparency in the distribution of public concessions. By doing so, politicians will be held accountable, and the amount of "dark money" in the political system will be reduced. This can help curb clientelism and ensure that public resources are used effectively for the benefit of all Malaysians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the GLC ecosystem?
A: The GLC ecosystem connects the corporate sector and the political system, making it essential for public policy implementation and rent distribution.
Q: What is the problem with the current GLC ecosystem?
A: The current GLC ecosystem is opaque, allowing governing elites to create public concessions and move them around without transparency and accountability.
Q: How can reforms to the GLC ecosystem reduce corruption?
A: Reforms to the GLC ecosystem can reduce the amount of "dark money" in the political system, curb clientelism, and increase transparency in the distribution of public concessions.
Q: Where can I buy the book "Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia"?
A: The book is available at MPH, Kinokuniya, Eslite, Tsutaya, and Gerakbudaya bookshops.