Daily Lessons from Life 24 December 2009

"Trainer accused of taking bribe - Thu, Dec 24, 2009 my paper

A FORKLIFT trainer was charged in court yesterday with accepting a bribe of $70 from a trainee to let him pass a practical test."

I want to comment on this case as it happened in Singapore. We CANNOT afford to let such a practice developed in Singapore. Minor it maybe as it was done for S$70 and by a forklift trainer.

Lessons for me are:

1. good practices and reputation takes a lot of efforts and time to develop and build up. It is easy to throw all of these away once we become complacent and try to be nice with the offenders. This is one of those non-negotiable crimes. It must be dealt with severely and the effects publicized as widely as possible to deter anyone who harbour such thoughts;

2. it may seems harsh to fine someone up to S$100k or/& jailed up to 5 years for accepting bride, we must help the doubters see the merit of such a heavy-handed treatment of such cases. Corruption can ruin a man, a family, an organization, and a nation once it starts. Hence, we must be ruthless and merciless in dealing with such offenders;

3. the news did not disclosed how he was found out. It is reasonable to assume that when you put yourself in a compromised situation, you either continue to demand more or you will get 'sold' as the potential victims or bride givers turn you in! Taking small bride is the 1st step toward asking for bigger bride until there is no end! It is like a whirlpool that will suck you in to the deepest end with no return! I am glad that there are still people who do not give in to giving bride. This should be encouraged. In this way, the potential bride takers will have concerns when decide who to ask to give bride!

May Singapore continued to stay corruption free as far as possible and as long as possible. We cannot allow the seed of destruction to take root...

Oh, Merry Christmas eve and may peace and joy be on earth!!