Underdeveloped countries have the inherent flaw of weak justice systems
There was once a construction contractor from a third world country. He was known, among his friends, as “bhola” (meaning naïve in Urdu). He had a friend, called Rob, who lived in the super power of the world, and had the same profession. Once, when visiting his friend’s country, “bhola” called him to inform him of his desire to meet. Rob invited him over for dinner. When “bhola” reached the given address, he was stunned to see the riches of his friend. The house was nothing less than a magical palace. The landscape of the house included hills, a flowing stream, and fruit trees throughout the driveway leading to the main door of the mansion. Entering the house was like entering a new world altogether. Huge chandeliers in the hallways, the finest furniture in each room and exquisite crockery at the dinner table thoroughly impressed him, as he had a taste for such luxuries. He couldn’t resist commenting on it either. He told his friend that he was much richer than he expected. He asked if the construction business in the country was such a lucrative business. His friend, noticing his admiration, took him to a room. The room had a big window covered with a heavy curtain. He removed the curtain and pointed at a bridge which was visible at a distance from the window. It was a beautiful massive structure across a river. Lights illuminated the bridge and added colours to the scenery. “Bhola” who was clearly impressed by the bridge as well replied that he could see the bridge and praised it at the same time. Rob told “bhola” that he was the contractor of that bridge. And it was out of that bridge that he made all that “bhola” was so inspired by at his residence.
Corruption is a worldwide phenomenon. Rich and poor, developed and underdeveloped, eastern and western countries of the world are plagued with this menace
A few years later, the roles reversed. This time Rob was travelling to “bhola’s” country. As soon as he came to know about his friend’s visit, “bhola” decided to host a dinner for him. He remembered the hospitality extended by his friend when he visited him and wanted to return the favour. When Rob came to “bhola’s” house for lunch, he was taken aback by the grandeur. A friend who was over awed by his mansion a few years ago, himself lived in a house ten times bigger. The fountains and the tame animals treading on finely trimmed lawns and disappearing in the woods made him believe he was dreaming. The scene indoors were no different. Just the wall hangings and decoration pieces were loud and clear in saying that “bhola” was much richer than Rob. After lunch, Rob could not hold back his elation. He told “bhola” that he was much impressed by the riches of his friend and inquired if the construction business yielded so much profit in this part of the world. “Bhola” smiled and took his friend to a room. The room had a large window with an expensive curtain covering it. He removed the curtain and asked his overjoyed friend if he could see a bridge out of the window. Rob searched and searched, swinging his neck from left to right and right to left but did not see any bridge. He told his friend rather disappointedly that he could not see any bridge, not even a trace of it. At this point, “bhola” smilingly decided to reveal the truth to his friend. He told Rob that the contract of the bridge he could not see was awarded to him and he made everything that he could see from that very contract.
The first time I heard this joke, I realised the underlying seriousness in its message. Corruption is a worldwide phenomenon. Rich and poor, developed and underdeveloped, eastern and western countries of the world are plagued with this menace. People who matter have been seen using their influence to enable their friends and family (if not themselves) make money. Whether you call it kickback, commission, fee, gift or bribe, it is very hard to find an ethical or moral justification of any of these even if they are legalised by law. However, one clear difference between countries which have prospered and those that haven’t is that at least something is delivered by those getting favours in the countries which are counted as developed. Morality is a relative term in the non-utopian world. Hence, a higher level of moral maturity is seen among people of such countries where the citizens are also among the beneficiaries of financially mega projects.
All social and moral pressures should be used to prevent corruption. Zero tolerance should be taught and exercised at all levels, be it public or private sectors
Underdeveloped countries have the inherent flaw of weak justice systems. People are more powerful than the law. It is very difficult to prove corruption scandals and people involved escape punishment more often than not. It is very natural that if the process is very complicated, the end result should be evaluated first.
This writing is in no way an advocacy for corruption. All social and moral pressures should be used to prevent corruption. Zero tolerance should be taught and exercised at all levels, be it public or private sectors. Of course there are so many variables involved in achieving any significant results. Better education, poverty alleviation, and social security are just a few of these variables that will require drastic changes before we can hope to reduce the evil of corruption.
It is but natural that there are short term and long term goals. There are a lot of visible improvements that we can achieve in the short term before the long lasting and more important long term goals are achieved. A vibrant, unbiased, and morally mature media plays an important role in developing the level of awareness among the masses of any country. This in turn lays the foundation of a stronger justice system. And all of this isn’t achieved over night. Nations see gradual improvement over generations in building systems. Hence, as long as a society is in a transition of achieving higher levels of morality the most important question is if the bridge was made.