The Age of Celebrated Thieves

Something's been niggling on my conscience, lately.

And I don't know what to do about it.

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Recently, a newly vocal and ambitious not-so-old leader called on Pak Lah to be accountable and to take action on certain issues, that had been majorly highlighted by the press.

Let's call this leader "Mr Glasshouse".

Mr. Glasshouse received much support from mostly non-paying members of his organization, for his stand. He received much attention in the media. He was even recently quoted, in an international magazine. There were accolades all round for his brave words, which were critical of the Government's lack of transparency and condoning of corrupt acts.

And if that was the full picture, this would have been a beautiful one. With much to look forward to, in the future of Malaysia.

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Unfortunately, that's not the full picture.

The truth is, this Mr. Glasshouse himself is involved in corruption - despite taking on the guise of the champion of the anti-corruption brigade.

Mr. Glasshouse was involved in the embezzlement of RM150,000 (from RM250,000 of charity funds donated by Big Bank), meant for a socio-educational project done under his organization, The Free Food Club. Let's call the project - "Project R".

Apparently, the project leaders of Project R were instructed to cap their expenditure for all 5 parts of the project, to a maximum of RM100,000.

The project leaders, good conscientious people who only wanted to do charity work and who were afraid that Project R might be affected, reluctantly acquiesced and kept to the maximum limit given by Mr. Glasshouse.

It was understood by the leaders of Project R, that all communications with Big Bank, were to go through Mr. Glasshouse. He would engineer that it would seem like the entire fund, has been used for the scope of Project R.

Big Bank would never know that RM150,000 would be siphoned off, to the Free Food Club. It was related to me that the proceeds were to pay off for some expenses relating to some other past projects, done by the Free Food Club.

When I protested against this act of theft, I remember Mr. Glasshouse's deputy, Mr. Pillar, saying to me: "Why are you making noise about this? Do you want to see our friends (Mr Glasshouse and Mr. Rising Star) get into trouble? And go to prison? Do you?"

It shocked me, that even a good person like Mr. Pillar, would condone corruption, despite the fact that he was in a direct position in Free Food Club's Exco, to intervene. And that he looked at my rightful intervention as a betrayal and "sabotage towards friends".

I guess that's when you find out, how much you can rely on the integrity of your friends. What do you do, when it is your friends who have become thieves?

Push comes to shove, they will keep silent. Nobody wants to be alone, doing the right thing.

Now the RM150,000 is gone - with no documentation on either sides (because it was a verbal deal with the (playful) Executive Chairman of The Big Bank), on the real utilization of funds. And the funny thing is, even after Bank Negara has audited the Big Bank, no request was made to Free Food Club to furnish details on the utilization of the Project R funds.

The thieves have escaped scot-free. And one of them, is today being celebrated as Malaysia's new hope, fighting against corruption and lack of accountability by the Government. And one day, someone in the system will absorb him to become one of the country's leaders.

We are in The Age of Celebrated Thieves.

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And then there is the story of the bureau head of a prominent youth wing of a political party, who attempted to hijack an award from the rightful recipients. Due to the push by the rightful recipients, he was caught red-handed and the issue was brought to the attention of the President of the political party.

And then nothing happened. No action was taken. The Thief is still serving the President of the political party. And serving in his own youth wing too - supposedly, on the pretext of helping others of his own kind.

Humbug. Another "Celebrated Thief" in the system.

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There's a lot that makes me sad about these Celebrated Thieves.

It makes me sad, because I know some of these people. In their student days, they were the people that could move an entire ocean of students, for a good cause.

They were the idealists that intended to change the system. And that was the reason, why they came back. To help the country, to improve the system.

And now, they've started stealing. From donation funds, meant for a socio-education project - the underprivileged. This is called stealing from the poor.

And good-intentioned people like some of those involved in Project R, are being dragged as reluctant accomplices, into the corruptive mud. Even though all they wanted to do, was to protect the good name of their project. To them, taking a stand for what's right, may affect Project R.

And the Celebrated Thieves are now cheered on and commended, as the champions of anti-corruption. They have managed to pull the wool, over everyone's eyes.

And one day, they will be in the Government system - robbing Malaysians of money, merit, contracts and God knows what else. Unless, we stop them.

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Today, Famous Blogger asked me, whether I knew anything about this. I told him I did, but since I was not involved in Project R, that he should probe further - especially for those involved in Project R. He said he will.

I hope he uncovers this story and blows it wide open.

Because my conscience, silence and weakness, is bothering me. I hold the ACA's telephone number in my hands. If all else fails, this would be the next step. I have to do my part - otherwise, I will just be another silent accomplice.

We cannot start treating thieves like heroes. Lest one day, we will be left with pirates for the country's leaders.

And it doesn't take very much to get there. All it takes is for us to remain apathetic, afraid, self-interested and becoming reluctant accomplices to celebrated thieves.

Keep doing that and I assure you, tomorrow, this country will go to the dogs.