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WEEKLY
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| Rule by thieves |
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Mir Jamilur Rahman
It matters little whether a country is ruled by democracy, military dictatorship or an oligarchy; they are all susceptible to political corruption. Whether rich or poor, no country is immune from it. Topping the list of corruption is bribery, followed by patronage, nepotism, cronyism and embezzlement. Worldwide, bribery is estimated to involve over one trillion dollars annually.
It has been argued that non-democratic rules have been the cause of corruption in Pakistan. Others say it is low wages that force such people as policemen and employees of lower courts to replenish their incomes by bribes. But we are not talking about bribe to a police or revenue official, which is pittance compared to kickbacks earned in the purchase of submarines and on the award of government licences and contracts.
Pakistan has been taking action against corrupt politicians and bureaucrats since independence. Various laws were introduced by successive governments to stamp out corruption. Many politicians were retired from politics and many bureaucrats were sacked. But exactly the opposite happened. Corruption kept on rising with every anti-corruption law. Thieves kept ruling us, whether it was under democracy or dictatorship.
Democracy is often blamed for fostering corruption. Undoubtedly, corruption plays a central role in politics. However, the rules of dictators have shown that as far as corruption is concerned, democracy and dictatorship always had close bonds. Dictator Musharraf, in order to remain president, wrote off billions through the NRO, currently the most hated term in Pakistan.
Mahatma Gandhi did not accept the notion that democracy and corruption are inseparable. He said: "Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today."
Some leaders have shown resentment to corruption stories in the media, which they have accused of sensationalism. The disclosure by the government of 8,041 NRO beneficiaries has silenced those who were pressing the prime minister to curb the media. The politicians do not realise that a free media is not a bane but an insurance against bad governance.
A free media will remain preoccupied with corruption because news of financial scandals and scams sells like hotcakes. The media understands people's fascination with prominent personalities shown in embarrassing situations. It would not be doing its duty if it did not expose corruption. In this context, Prime Minister Gilani has acted most democratically by ordering the opening of the NRO Pandora's Box.
Mr Gilani should make a concrete beginning to stamp out corruption. He should set up a commission to determine the causes of the rampant corruption and what the government and civil society could do to reduce its incidence. He should make the freedom-of-information law more effective and accessible. It will bring transparency in government actions and strengthen democracy.
What can corruption do to society? Back in 1896, US painter Elihu Vedder, who is best known for his 55 illustrations for Fitzgerald's translation of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, made this insightful observation about corruption: "Corruption poses a serious development challenge. In the political realm, it undermines democracy and good governance by flouting or even subverting formal processes. Corruption in elections and in legislative bodies reduces accountability and distorts representation in policymaking; corruption in the judiciary compromises the rule of law; and corruption in public administration results in the inefficient provision of services. More generally, corruption erodes the institutional capacity of government as procedures are disregarded, resources are siphoned off, and public offices are bought and sold. At the same time, corruption undermines the legitimacy of government and such democratic values as trust and tolerance."
Email: mirjrahman @hotmail.com
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ISSN 1563-9479 
