Criminalisation of politics and probity in public life

By Noel D'Oliveiro

Unlike many Third World countries, our beloved country has remained relatively stable and peaceful, without major internal upheavals and where the government is changed through the ballot box rather than with bullets.

Despite this, the country today is in the midst of a host of internal crises which could potentially undermine long-term national stability.
Pre-occupied with personal animosities and rivalries, the government of the day should instead address basic issues such as the consolidation of democracy along with checks and balances, greater accommodation and tolerance of political differences and the eradication of corruption.

To talk of probity in public life especially today may look like an attempt at breeding vegetarian carnivores.

The fact is, at any given point of time, society approves certain values. If we look at the tolerance of corruption in our country today, it would appear that in public life if one has to be successful, one has to be corrupt. In business if one has to be successful, one has to adjust to corruption.

The issue of probity and corruption is an issue which is discussed practically in every coffee shop of the country today and all that happens is that it becomes mere conversation.

Everybody will come up with one story of corruption he has come across. Then the conversation will veer towards cynicism and the conclusion that nothing can be done.

Widespread corruption today is a standing monument to the shameful reality that probity in our public life is at a very low level.

One of the reasons for the lack of probity in public life, is due to the dilution of the responsibilities leading to lack of accountability resulting in the poor quality of governance, thanks to political interference in matters which should be best left to those who are trained to do the job.

What characterizes a country are politicians of sterling character, absolute integrity, clear thinking, uncanny foresight, elegant articulation and above all, a high sense of pragmatism and dedication to the country all of which seem to suggest we have a long ride ahead.

Politics cannot be kept apart from morality. It has to be re-built based on a true and reliable foundation namely individual honesty.