Imams Call Out Against Bribery
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - The act of giving and receiving bribes is a crime not only under the country's Public Service Commission Act; but it is also considered one of the most grievous sins in Islam, as ii entails the consumption or acquisition of another person's property through the wrong means.

As such, it is vital that the evils of corruption be known and understood, imams in the country said yesterday in a nation-wide sermon for the Friday prayers. Remarking that the World Anti-Corruption Day falls on Saturday (today), the sermon went on to say that understanding the evils of corruption is necessary, as it can affect the country's image and the integrity of the public service sector.

Corruption can make a person selfish, and affect his faith and that of his family. On the practical side, the vice may also lead to imprisonment and loss of employment. Lending a hand is customary in community living, regardless of the race and religion of the community members, and it is also one of the greatest deeds advocated in Islam.

The faith encourages the practice of helping, whether by presenting gifts, donations or alms, whatever the quantity or magnitude of the contribution. The tradition of giving is thus considered a noble one, provided that it is performed with the sincerity for Allah. When done in such a manner, the practice is not an offence under Islam, such as the awarding of gifts for those who have given their service and contribution for their country.

On the other hand, when a gift is made with the expectation of something in return by a person who has dealings with a government staff or official to the said employee, and the gift causes the receiver to feel indebted to return the favour, then the act would be considered a bribe.

The imams went on to say that some parties may feel such actions are the norm when conducting their business. However, the country's Anti-Corruption Act clearly states that a bribe may be guised as a gift and cannot be accepted or tolerated, however common the practice is.

In fact, public or government officers and staff, as well as their families, are expressly prohibited from receiving any gifts related to any official business or capacity under the Public Service Commissions Act.

It is vital therefore to distance oneself from the-corrupt practice of bribery, and to be constantly vigilant whenever receiving a gift, for fear that it might contain elements of corruption, the imams said. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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