Page 223 - Q24 -
P. 223
210 √«¡º≈ß“π∑“ß«‘™“°“√¢Õß»“ μ√“®“√¬å∏“π‘π∑√å °√—¬«‘‡™’¬√
There are yet other kinds of corruption where no money is involved.
Favoritism and nepotism are good examples. Some teachers give extra
marks to students who would otherwise fail in their exams in order to
gain popularity with them. Many high ranking officials give positions and
privileges to their own relatives and friends in order to have more power
or better status.
These are the problems which we are now confronting. The
economic effect of corruption is startling and largely responsible for the
present inflation. Worse still, its moral effect upon politicians, government
officials and the public itself is appalling. Worst of all, the national spirit
is sinking. The general attitude towards corruption is: ùIf everybody does it
and can get away with it, why shouldnût I? What then is the cause of it
all? In plain English, it is greed ! To some, it is simply a way of life.
To others, the wrong that is done is done with the full knowledge that it
is wrong.
Who is to blame for that wrong? Here lies a great misconception.
Most people think that those in authority alone are to blame. But if we
examine this problem carefully and honestly and ask ourselves the question:
ùWho gives them the temptations?û The answer undoubtedly is you and I.
Thus both those in authority and us in the community are equally to blame.
What everybody wants nowadays seems to be power, wealth and status.
As a result, corruption has developed into a major threat, not only
to our overall well-being, but also to our very survival. Yet few talk openly
and frankly about corruption, unless they are very sure about the truth of
the matter, otherwise the law of criminal libel might come into play.
What then can we do about it ? Surely we do not want rough
and tough measures like revolutions, which would do more harm than good.