One day, during my visit to one of my favourite coffee shops to indulge in my "lok lok" cravings, I discovered that the number of tables have reduced considerably. It appears that the authorities have recently paid the shop a visit and confiscated "lok lok" tables. Conversation with the workers soon point to the fact that many such shop owners pay enforcement officials a sum of money in return for "protection". It has become an acceptable practice and the norm. Such situations are not uncommon in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, little is done to rectify the situation. Perhaps many top officials and politicians themselves have too many skeletons in the closet. This only retards genuine efforts to stem this sinful tide. Much has been written about corruption till it gets eerily monotonous. In addition, Badawi's anti-corruption drive is lame and directionless. He seems crippled by the very machinery that he runs. His control over his subordinates also appears suspect.

Transparency International's poor ratings for Malaysia epitomises the ills plaguing Malaysia. Corruption breeds in the cover of darkness weakening the very foundation of civilised societies. Transparency is probably a taboo in Malaysian society. Even universities in Malaysia discourage freedom of speech and thoughts. This has resulted in limited creativity and lack of individual initiatives in the path of academic achievements.

Vision 2020 appears a distant possibility. I fear that the spirit of the vision has evaporated with the retirement of its visionary.