South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak’s apology to the country over his brother’s involvement in a graft case should put our ruling classes to shame. Here in Pakistan, there are not many across the political spectrum who would have the guts to come clean about what they have done.
No wonder at least in the developing world, politicians are generally associated with corruption and amassing wealth through illegal means. Granted, one should be very cautious while demonising politicians since there has been a systematic vilification campaign to weaken them. Though all politicians cannot be dubbed crooks and thieves, a large number of them have shown time and again through their actions that they consider corruption to be their birthright. Poor transparency in elections means limiting public’s freedom to elect leaders of their choice that further gives a chance to such errant individuals to get access to assemblies and loot the national kitty. The initiative for instance by certain political parties to make declaration of assets a norm is a good beginning that should be strictly adhered to, if the country is to rid itself of bad eggs masquerading as representatives of the public. Korean President’s apology also calls for introspection by the public that must this time around get their votes registered to bring about a revolution through the ballot box.