Let not the State's tax arm be withered
IT IS with an overpowering sense of
outrage that the Lankan public is likely to react to the news that
corruption scandals are now rocking no less a State institution than the
Inland Revenue Department. As reported by us yesterday, a Value added
Tax fraud to the tune of Rs. 357 million, involving a former official of
the Inland Revenue Department and a businessman, is currently being
probed by the authorities with the CID playing a lead role in the
investigations.
Thus is the leading tax institution of the State in a dark cloud of
ignominy. We are likely to hear the rejoinder that the case has to be
proved beyond all reasonable doubt in court, but the fact that even a
shadow of doubt could be cast on some personnel in so vital a State
body, is a sad commentary on the state of our purportedly accountable
institutions.
For, in times past the Inland Revenue Department was considered a
citadel of unimpeachable ethical conduct. Its personnel were looked upon
as the standard bearers of scrupulousness and honesty-matching in
ethical stature institutions such as the judiciary of the land.
However, it is difficult to ignore the truth which is staring us in
the face so overpoweringly that far too many accountable State
institutions, which play a crucial role in the up-keep of the country
and the people, are now falling victim to the withering blight of
corruption. It is a matter of immense regret that far too many
highly-placed public officials are coming under the mournful cloud of
financial misdoings. This alone is a national tragedy which is crying
out to be addressed.
The corruption phenomenon is a highly complex one and it needs to be
conceded that simple answers cannot be found to it. However, we believe
that if such cases are expeditiously and rigorously dealt with in our
courts, a considerable dent could be made in the nagging weight which is
corruption.
We believe those found guilty of corrupt practices should be required
to pay an exceedingly high price for their dark deeds, if we are to make
some progress in the fight against corruption. Everyone accused of
corruption should be quickly brought to justice but it must be ensured
that the "due process of law" does not take an inordinately long period
of time.
It is with increasing bewilderment that we also note the continuing
in office of some top public officials facing corruption charges. This
amounts to perverting the spirit of accountability. True, everyone
accused of wrong-doings should be presumed innocent until proved guilty,
but public office and life is seriously devalued when such persons are
allowed to continue in their positions while facing corruption charges.
We believe such persons should be called on to renounce public office
until the conclusion of the due process of law. If this condition is not
met, the State could be accused of winking at wrong-doing and
corruption. We are certain that this is not the light in which the State
would want to be regarded.
So, it is our plea that no quarter be given to corruption. Let us not
be complacent on this score. The State needs to be proactively involved
in curbing corruption. For instance, the Corruption and Bribery
Commission needs to be in the forefront of this campaign.
It should be the responsibility of the State to ensure that the
Commission is sufficiently strengthened for this purpose. The same goes
for the Police and other relevant agencies of the State.
As for the Inland Revenue Department, it needs to seriously consider
weeding out the weeds and chaff in its fold. Its personnel should be
famous once again for their unimpeachable integrity. |