Gifts That Spell Evil
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - A gift is not always just a gift when given to an officer or a senior Civil servant.

The value of such a gift gets excluded from its real purpose, as it would be given with the idea of expecting something in return.

Religious leaders here called on the Ummah to be cautious when accepting such a gift from someone, as it could be categorised as bribery.

In a Friday sermon delivered yesterday to coincide with International Day Against Corruption, today December 9, local religious authorities said only a gift presented as a form of encouragement or in recognition of someone's meritorious service such as to a nation is not an offence and not against the teachings of Islam. However, if the gift is given to a person who has an official dealing with an officer or government civil servant, then the value of the gift is already excluded from its real purpose. Instead, it is already categorised as a bribe.

The giving-out or award of such a gift makes the recipient bind and owe the other a similar kindness.

In other words, the one who gives, hopes to receive a reciprocation in return. Here lies the corruption.

In this context, certain people think that giving-out and accepting gifts is a tradition. However, in Chapter 131 of the Corruption Prevention Act, it is stated that a gift is classified as a form of bribery and that tradition should not become an excuse to give or receive such gift - no mater how small the gift is.

Meanwhile, according to Regulation 12 of Public Servant (ethics and discipline) Regulation of Public Service Commission, Chapter 83, public or government servants or their family are prohibited to receive any rewards from any parties which they deal with in their work.

Corruption is a practice highly prohibited by Islamic law (Syariah) and categorised as one of the biggest sins, as it is classified as taking one's share in a wrongful manner. In conjunction with the international day against corruption today (Dec 9), it is timely for us to take note of the dangers of corruption, as it could affect the image of the nation and the integrity of civil service that affects justice.

It affects an individual's image and family besides facing harsh sentences such as imprisonment and being expelled from one's job. Hence, we should avoid corruption and be cautious when receiving gift.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with