Kuala lumpur: The practice of offering 'hush money' or using small rewards to cover up wrongdoing may seem harmless but is in fact, the root of corruption that can undermine future generations, says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) director Mohamad Zakkuan Talib. He said integrity must be nurtured from home and strengthened across all levels of society.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Zakkuan emphasized that parents must instil honesty and trustworthiness from an early age. He urged against normalizing the giving of 'hush money' to hide mistakes and highlighted that paying for 'cables' (connections) must stop, as this is where corruption often begins, unnoticed.

Speaking to reporters after the Desa Bebas Rasuah 2025 programme at Dataran KAMARA, Kampung Malaysia Raya, Mohamad Zakkuan noted that corruption rarely starts in boardrooms. Instead, it often begins with small actions that gradually become accepted behaviour. He compared corruption to a fire, stating, 'It may seem small, but left unchecked, it can burn homes, villages, and entire nations. When students buy exam answers or village leaders show favouritism due to bribes, public trust begins to erode.'

While the MACC can investigate and prosecute, Mohamad Zakkuan stressed that true success depends on public support, with the community acting as the front line in building an integrity-driven generation. Since taking office four months ago, he noted an increase in public tip-offs, driven by outreach efforts and greater awareness of whistle-blower rewards for information leading to convictions.

The programme involved several agencies, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), and National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), with Bank Islam as a strategic partner. Activities included an anti-corruption forum titled Building a Corruption-Free Generation, featuring actor Ebby Yus and community leader Khairul Salleh Hasan, along with a children's integrity-themed colouring contest, exhibitions, health screenings, Rahmah sales, and lucky draws.

Mohamad Zakkuan concluded by stating, 'Integrity starts with 'I'. If civil servants, students, and community leaders are clean, so too will be the nation.'