Unfortunately, we can see that such information is quite inaccessible in the public domain. Why?
One possible explanation is that despite the power to reveal such important facts and figures, there could be some who deliberately hide and distort facts and figures. On an international scale, this happened in the Watergate Scandal, the Iraq War, the Bloody Sunday in Ireland, the Iran-Contra-Affair in 1987, the Monica Lewinsky Scandal and many more incidents. On a local level, we have the infamous PKFZ scandal, submarine issues and the endless list which has monopolized headlines for the past few months.
Ordinarily, we all know that it is morally wrong for us to lie to one another. Deception is destructive because it prevents an individual from apprehending what is the true situation, and from acting in a way that is in line with common interests and moral commitments. As such, deception can be used by malicious parties to wield control over others.
The only way to show up lies is to reveal the truth and in Malaysia, revealing the truth can be a very dangerous move because of certain laws such as OSA and ISA and whatever legislation. Should citizens then be encouraged, in the interests of harmony and stability, to accept the establishment's version of truth as a ‘noble lie’? The ultra-realist Machiavelli wrote about how in politics, moral judgements simply do not apply, and accordingly advised his prince to resort to deception and other sharp practices in order to shore up his rule!!! And do we see a Machiavellian shadowy hand orchestrating the drama in our country?
Those of us who are committed democratic ideals reject any deception as harmful because these prevent citizens from determining whether particular policies are in their interests or with the aims they believe the government ought to promote.
Deception in the political sphere subverts and misdirects rational and reflective choice.
Any undetected deception may encourage culprits to rely more readily on dishonest means to realize their ambition and by doing so, foster a culture of deception among the political elite. Such a culture is likely to be passed on to subordinates and then what happens?
When deception is exposed, some voters may lose trust in the status quo and cease to engage in political activity. And why? They could generalize that all politicians are equally bad with none are worthy of support.
Of course, where defence is concerned, some argue that deception is justified for the security of the nation, and for safeguarding the vital interests of citizens. Yet, I have blogged about how there are so many corruption issues on defense expenditure all over the world. This makes us think whether some are responsible for protecting themselves rather than the country.
It is very easy for anyone to argue that deception and secrecy motivated by personal gain is necessary for ‘reasons of state’. A democratic system would disagree because there can be no consensus as to who can determine what is the vital interest for the state that can legitimately be promoted by deceptive means. On what grounds then can politicians lie to their people?
How can unjustified deception be minimized through state institutions and civil society? First and foremost would be freedom of information laws, which allow citizens to access government documents and records. In this way, citizens and civil society can monitor the activities of politicians and civil servants. The Selangor state government is the first to try enacting the Freedom of Information Enactment (Selangor State) enactment 2010. CLICK HERE for more.
According to THIS SITE:
More than 50 countries, including developing countries in Asia, have already enacted the Right To Information Bill. Many developing countries have realised that through the introduction of this Bill, their citizens are now able to have rightful access to information held at various levels of government. The access to such information has empowered their citizens to assert and reclaim their rights in the courts of law against unjust treatment and corrupt practices committed by errant civil servants and politicians.
This has helped to build a less unjust society where the unfairly treated can seek recourse to wrongs committed in secrecy by errant officials in both the public and private sectors who may be acting separately or in collusion.
The access to information has also directly encouraged the nurturing of a free press so that accurate and full disclosure of news will reach the public. A more open society thus created will deepen and broaden democratic practices in these countries."
Secondly, whistle-blowers must have legal protection, rather than risk prosecution for breaches of official secrecy.
Thirdly, there must be investigative journalism to uncover of government deception such as in the Watergate Scandal and PFKZ which was first reported by TheSun. Any unjustified control of the media may breed further deception when as culprits know that they can protect their own interests and have others to protect them! Public trust would be gradually eroded and this would affect the country's repute and international competitiveness.
The fourth factor would be the moral and political will of politicians to lead upright and trustworthy values to have a government that is right on track. To that end, public institutions and civil servants must have the same ethos and virtues of honesty, integrity, accountability and work for the betterment of the nation.
Ultimately, it starts from the top. If the top is rotting, the rest will decompose accordingly and we will soon be walking in the land of the living dead.
Can we ever be spared from the insidious deception of lies and accusations, or cover-ups and more retorts?
I really hope so. Don't you?
____________________
Related post: Decepticons in Deception
Captain Obvious Dear masterwordsmith,
President Theodore Roosevelt once said 'A typical vice of politicians in power is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues.' & 'Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.'
But I think Captain Obvious said it better... 'There are two tragedies in life. One is not getting what you want and the other is having to go through their bullcrap.'
Cheers!