OCT 8 – As President (now ex-president) I am saddened that matters had been taken publicly when there was ample opportunity to discuss and resolve differences amicably at the executive committee (Exco) meeting at 11.30 am, Mon Oct 5.
Tan Sri Robert Phang was invited to the meeting but chose not to attend.
I had felt let down and pressured to resign by a press conference held on the previous Sat Oct 3, at which it was said that at least six members of the Exco will be resigning. However, so far, I only know of only two Exco members who have resigned, Tan Sri Robert Phang and Murad Ali Abdullah.
My acceptance of the appointment as Chairman of the PKA Ad-Hoc Committee on Governance has been raised. I have publicly explained that there is no conflict of interest because the terms of reference of this Committee do not cover investigation but recommendations on improving governance of PKA so that maladministration is not repeated.
This is consistent with one of the objects of TI-M, to enhance public transparency and accountability in the administration of public procurement. I cleared it with TI headquarters in Berlin, and they indicated that there was similar practice with other international chapters. In fact, they congratulated me in the appointment.
When our esteemed Tunku Aziz accused me of a conflict of interest in accepting the post, I sought the views of the Exco. My appointment to hair the PKA Ad-Hoc Committee was unanimously supported at an Exco meeting, which Tan Sri Phang also attended.
As a governance measure, an Exco member would also attend meetings with me to ensure that the aims and objectives of TI-M are complied with.
I would add that any decisions taken on matters relating to PKFZ is decided by the PKA board of which I am not a substantive member but only attend board meetings by invitation.
On my being a life member of MCA, I had previously pointed out in a press release that I joined the MCA in order to serve on a Government committee. I had not been an active member and simply forgot that I was a member. The Exco accepted my explanation. In any event, I had immediately resigned from MCA even before the Exco meeting. I am not involved in or interested in politics.
Each President of TI-M has his own style and emphasis in complying with the aims and objectives of TI-M. While some believe that we should only criticize the government, I believe that we cannot be an armchair critic but must be prepared to constructively engage to change things, and to get involved to improve governance on the ground when invited to do so.
I am convinced that TI-M can act responsibly in the PKFZ fiasco to help transform a government agency into an exemplary institution to achieve an international standard of governance and integrity. TI-M has the tools, competence and commitment to do so.
As for my position as a Vice President of FMM, this is known to TI members when they elected me and many felt that I would be able to bring my corporate experience to practice good governance and integrity. I have brought private sector financial and other procedures to ensure good governance and accountability to our donors.
Furthermore, I believe that in the past, too much emphasis has been placed on criticising the government and not the private sector. Corruption also exists in the private sector. I have pushed for TI-M to sign MOCs (Memorandum of Collaboration) with business, trade and professional organisations to promote good governance and anti-bribery measures.
Finally, why do I resign as President? Firstly, it is to accept full responsibility for not having the Global Corruption Report (GCR) 2009 reviewed and approved by the Exco before releasing it to the public.
Quite often, there are no comments when things are circulated to the Exco, so I just went ahead and released on the basis that it is a TI-Berlin worldwide document that has been reviewed by lawyers, and I would accept full responsibility.
However, this incident has highlighted that TI-M must act without fear or favour, which means not succumbing to threats. Personally, I still stand by the GCR 2009; to dissociate is to fatally undermine TI-M and TI-Berlin and our cause.
Secondly, the controversies have seriously disrupted the important work that TI-M needs to do. I still firmly believe that I have always had the interest of TI-M and the anti-corruption cause at heart.
But I hoped that by withdrawing, the disruption will cease. But this has not been the case. Tan Sri Robert Phang was informed of my resignation but he persisted with his press conference later in the evening and further attacks, together with Tunku Aziz.
I fear that if the attacks continue or TI-M dissociates itself from the GCR 2009, TI-M could be destroyed.
Lastly, I appeal to every Malaysian to join and be active in the fight against corruption and have zero-tolerance for corruption. Corruption is a cancer that destroys our beloved country and its future. The fight starts with you. Join and support TI Malaysia.
* Datuk Paul Low is a Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers vice-president and chairman of the PKA Ad-Hoc Committee on Governance. He has just resigned as president of Transparency International-Malaysia chapter.
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