APRIL 26 — The lesson that the recent Panama Papers and Wikileaks have taught us is that transparency sells.

The digital revolution has its pros and cons but what cannot be denied is that it has shrunk the world.

People are now closer than ever before to exchange information. Despite passwords and encryption, no information can be kept secret.


What is important for Malaysia is that we recognise that information technology is a catalyst for transparency and accountability.

This is turn demands that positions of power and even brand loyalty are based on meritocracy.

Gone are the days when votes are given because someone belongs to a dynasty and products are bought because the brand is the pioneer of its kind.

While at one time, a choice would be made once it fulfills the need, now a choice is made only after examining which of the options provide the optimum fulfillment of the need.

As shown lately, tax evasion has caused national leaders to face public uproar and websites like EBay publicly displaying the scores earned by sellers from their customers.


There is an increasing demand for worthiness and the true measure of it can be easily accessed in the digital world.

When people’s suspicions that arise out of these revelations are not satisfied with answers laden with meritocracy, the subject of suspicion is quickly removed from the pedestal that he/she had been put on. 


Since this is a growing trend, it is essential that Malaysian companies, organisations and prominent individuals embrace the notion that transparency is the new engine of social change.

Perhaps this would enhance the check and balance between the general public and organisations/prominent individuals, but what is certain is that greater caution needs to be exercised by those subject to scrutiny.

The call for meritocracy requires businesses to ensure that customer feedback is dealt with seriously and publicly while public figures have to realise that no private matter of theirs is protected from exposure.

Sure, there are court injunctions that can prevent information from being further disseminated but with the speed of the internet, information can spread like wildfire before it can be contained with other recourses.


In a very competitive world, it is good that transparency is becoming a necessity as it empowers the consumers and the general public.

However, now is the time for corporate responsibility and accountability to be exercised by those in positions of power with their conscience in the right place.

As we have to move with the times and the rest of the world, it is paramount that Malaysia’s reputation is not tarnished especially by ourselves as with transparency, the rest of the world will quickly find out if we do.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.