‘Zeti, you have a responsibility to tell us the truth’

Zeti: No more interviews with media, I have learned my lesson

Clever Voter: Former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz has decided to stop giving media interviews, saying that she has “learned her lesson”, although she did not explain the reasons for her decision.

An important hallmark of an admired leader is to have the courage to do what is right, and the principles to stand on her or his beliefs. Many simply lack the inner strength to go beyond and act on a conviction that benefits society as a whole.

Zeti had a commendable career at BNM and probably regrets that the 1MDB scandal happened so close to her retirement.

Expectations of Zeti as a key witness to the scandal were more than what Zeti had done. Weighing the cost and benefits, Zeti chose not to upset the establishment.

Inasmuch as her role was apolitical, she advocated professional stands and ethics but all that has evaporated simply because she did not do what matters – walk the talk.

Alunan Ombak: Not giving media interviews is not the solution, Zeti. Your conscience will disturb you.

Follow this counsel to ease your mind, at least in your prayers – speak the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

To the current BNM governor, we say this – all that is said in this article’s comments on Zeti’s failures is applicable to you too if you show weak and poor leadership.

Be courageous to report publicly to the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other relevant authorities if you come across people, particularly politicians, ministers, and public servants, stealing and playing the fool with public funds under your charge.

Discharge your duties first, without fear and favour, and resign if you have to. Discharging your responsibilities well to the rakyat, king, and country is of paramount importance. You can then hold your head high to receive genuine respect from all and sundry.

CQ Muar: Zeti, as then-governor of Bank Negara, you should have discharged your duties fully without fear or favour.

Any infringement or breach as enshrined within the banking law should have been exposed and reported, regardless of the power of the perpetrator.

Regrettably, you failed to do so for reasons known to yourself. Whatever the reason, you owe the people of this country a duty which was expected of you, and no excuses will redeem you from such irresponsibility.

The episode with regard to irregular multi-million transactions could not have gone past your attention without you realising it was absolutely unacceptable and unpardonable. Bluntly, you shirked that responsibility.

Mushiro: Indeed, Zeti owes the country an explanation as to why and how the 1MDB scandal happened under her watch. Was she sleeping, scared or an unwilling player? No excuses, please.

Odin Tajué: Zeti, there will be no loss to decent Malaysians – of whom I’m sure there are very many – if you henceforth keep silent permanently.

I am angry, Zeti. Because daily, I see men and women on those cheap, little motorcycles – doubtlessly bought on hire purchase – baking in the blistering sun or being soaked in a downpour as they go about their jobs and return home from work.

I am absolutely certain that all the man-made materials these people wear cost less than one shoe on Ah Moi’s foot. I am absolutely certain, too, that most of them have never even heard of Kobe beef, let alone eaten it.

But they pay taxes. And they will have to pay more in taxes to help make good the billions allegedly stolen from them and other taxpaying Malaysians, without them knowing of the theft.

Simple Malaysian: Odin Tajué has said exactly what most of us ordinary folk feel.

It is really unfortunate indeed that someone of such a highly-regarded background as Zeti seems to be unfeeling towards us ordinary folk, who are working extremely hard to put food on the table, let alone make ends meet in such difficult times.

Zeti, I sincerely hope that you will realise your moral obligation to expose wrongdoings and fight for righteousness.

We understand you may have had your hands tied while in office, but now that you are not in office, speak up and shame those who are guilty, unless you wish the public to look at you as an accomplice.

Rightan: Remember the late Ani Arope? He stood his ground against then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he was executive chairman of Tenaga Nasional.

Today, his children and Malaysians are proud of him. People miss him not because of his position and money, but for his principles.

Anonymous112233: Whatever it is, as an ordinary citizen of this country, I am very disappointed with people in charge who could do much better in addressing the 1MDB fiasco.

Drngsc: It is people like Zeti who let us and the country down. She has a responsibility to all Malaysians to tell the truth, for the good of the nation.

Anonymous 759201436321741: Sad to say this – your ‘towering’ legacy as one of the best central bank governors in the global banking industry led a bad taste in the mouth of most, if not all, of those who commented here in Malaysiakini.

And these people are educated, know right from wrong, understood better than those who are in charge the true meaning of disclosure and governance by those who are tasked with that responsibility.

I suppose there is no point flogging a dead horse. Life goes on, for better or worse.

But Malaysians know definitely it ain’t going to be better. The only glimmer of hope is GE14.

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