Good governance key element in battle against corruption

PICTURE this scene: a foreign national passing through an immigration post, when queried about his papers, automatically slips money into his passport and hands it back to the official, even though he has not committed any wrongdoing.

When questioned about it, he simply replies, "Back where I come from, that is how things are done."

It is exactly the kind of mentality which Brunei Darussalam has strove continuously to defeat: the idea that corruption, in any form, is acceptable.

One of the reasons why the sultanate has achieved a degree of success in this has been through strong political will.

A recent example that can be recited is the call made by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei, in his New Year titah, for the nation to stamp out corruption.

At the forefront of the battle against graft is the Anti-Corruption Bureau under Prime Minister's Office. Their latest strategy to combat corruption is further promotion of good governance.

"Good governance is important for countries at all stages of development," said Michel Camdessus, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, during his address to the United Nations Economic and Social in July 1997.

Ten years on from there Brunei Darussalam is on the verge of venturing further into the subject, if plans are approved for the establishment of a centre of excellence for good governance.

The Integrity and Good Governance Centre (although not the official and final name) could prove to further enhance the efficiency of the civil service.

Despite already being recognised as a country which faces little in terms of corruption, having an efficient public service in Brunei would leave very little to chance and deny the opportunity for corruption to take place.

As well as learning more about good governance, best practices and the importance of being efficient, the new centre can also take on the role of a training centre for those who are interested in the facets of good governance.

The principles of good governance have been around for quite some time now and the major characteristics, according to the United Nations, revolve around the aspects of accountability, effectiveness and efficiency, participation, transparency, responsive and being equitable.

Having a strong stance of zero tolerance, and by inculcating within the community a strong sense of moral obligation to distance themselves from any corrupt activity, will hopefully close the door on graft.

An analogy which is often used is that corruption is like a cancer which spreads, and one which will be even harder to eradicate if it was to take root in Brunei Darussalam.

The community needs to realise this and thankfully it has long been recognised by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the sultanate.

Education has been a vital cog in the battle against corruption in Brunei Darussalam.

Many feel that the introduction of subject matter in the curriculum has been a master stroke, and it is hoped that the children will cultivate a culture of shunning corruption rather than accepting it.

By making the future generation aware of graft, they will be in a better position to act against it.

Good governance has also been deemed as integral to economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and sustainable development.

These are very much the intention of Brunei Darussalam as it looks to move forward and progress.

The Brunei Times