Corruption is Authority + Monopoly - Transparency

DAILY REFLECTION - BY DR TAN TEK SENG

4 Mar 2025

"The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous, but the wicked will be driven away by their own evil."

Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭

Dishonest gain may bring temporary satisfaction but often leads to long-term consequences, while honest effort fosters stability, growth, and a clear conscience.

The recent shocking news that the MACC has seized RM170 million in various currencies and 16 kg of gold bars valued at RM7 million from the homes of aides to a former Prime Minister serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical principle: “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.”

This dramatic confiscation signifies a reclamation of ill-gotten gains, potentially redirected for the benefit of society, reinforcing a commitment of MACC to restore national integrity. This incident serves as an important moral lesson about the inherent instability of wealth acquired through corrupt means. It underscores the vital importance of integrity and honesty in financial practices, emphasising that the pursuit of quick riches through unethical avenues is ultimately unsustainable. As such, it calls for a renewed dedication to ethical conduct in all aspects of our financial interactions.

Proverbs 13:11 encourages individuals to prioritise integrity and patience over greed and shortcuts, reminding us that true success is built on a foundation of righteousness and perseverance.