The importance of correct healthy thinking.

Recently, a political secretary to a state assembly man was found dead near the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) office. The death raised a lot of questions as this political secretary was in the MACC to assist an investigation into the country's opposition politicians when his death occured. According to evidence known to the public now, he was questioned until past three o'clock in the morning. He was too tired to even go home after the questioning although he had his car and so, according to the MACC, had slept on a couch in the MACC building. Apparently he was even too tired to request for his handphone. At the time of his death, his handphone was still with the MACC.

Before I continue, I wish to stress that this is not a political view that I wish to convey, though I realise it does, considering the circumstances involved, sound like one. There is nothing wrong with having a MACC. There is nothing wrong with investigations and getting reports from witnesses. What has happened was due to the choice of officers in an important government body, in this case an anti-corruption agency.

To have capable officers in such a body, they must be courageous in the performance of their duty, able to perform with integrity irregardless of what their boss may think. They have to be disciplined and fair to all those who need to be investigated or questioned. They must never be biased. Above all else, they must possess a healthy mind and body. Yes, these are of utmost importance when dealing with matters such as corruption.

In fact, if our children were to possess all the above qualities, then the parents have no fear that they will perform well no matter what position their capabilities have placed them.

Coming back to the political secretary, what kind of officer would subject a person who is to assist an investigation to such a torture as sleep deprivation to the extent that he could not find the energy to return to his own comfortable bed to sleep? Would it not be normal for anyone assisting an investigation be allowed to rest by midnight and return the next day to continue? Was it an order from the top? Was it an indication of a sadistic streak in the officer concerned? That would mean un unhealthy mind. Could such a person rightly be allowed to perform in such an investigative post?

Well, it looks like a lot of questions which need answers.

Perhaps, the officer concerned was not totally wrong. He could just be doing a duty obeying orders to torture the person until a tired mind would agree to anything just to find relieve in sleep.

Whatever it is, the person who chose the officers is responsible. How are these officers picked? Were the best of Malaysians elligible for the posts picked? What was the criterion for the choice?

I am sorry but I have no alternative but sound racial when I question this: With so many brilliant Malaysians from the various races, how is it that the choice-maker(s) could not have an investigating team comprising of all the races in Malaysia. Are the citizens from the other races inferior to those chosen? Was the mind of the selecting committee biased?

As we can see, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Wrong thinking can lead us astray, leading to problems which can never arise if leaders or bosses are courageous, disciplined, fair and unbiased in treating people.