WHAT GOOD ARE LAWS WITHOUT VALUES?

What good are laws without values?

Masterwordsmith Jul 21, 09 7:32pm

In today's highly competitive world, we read more and more press reports about unethical behaviour in business, politics or even social activities. And how do we feel about it?

Have we become blase, numb, calloused or de-sensitised because such news seems to be the norm? Or are we part of the voice that is rising in crescendo to object to current trends?

In the light of recent events which have triggered silent national outrage, some leaders seem to have forgotten that values underpin good and bad, right and wrong.

What happens when one goes about one's duties without a value system? What happens when one's action, even in the line of duty, reflects a lack of morals?

Let's not forget professional ethics. They are the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession. Any organisation will have a code of conduct for its members.

One begins to wonder if a particular organisation which is making headlines has a code of conduct and, if so, what is being done to ensure that its staff members adhere to this. Or is it a free for all with no CCTV cameras around?

Far too many unanswered questions have stirred the rumblings from the north to south, east to west and these rumblings are rising to a higher pitch day by day.

One of the problems of upholding morals and values in business is that the morals and values of one person may differ from that of another.

But what happens if its leaders do not seem to place an emphasis on fairness, justice and non-discrimination? It is an obligation of leaders to define basic values, morals and values that they want their staff members to adhere to.

Responsibility and team effort

Any organisation or leader must encourage honesty and high moral standards as the actions of an individual in the team can affect the moral ethos of the entire team as recent events have shown.

The current negative political climate whereby dirty linen is washed in public and members of one party attack another is most unhealthy.

If one values others highly, one will be considerate and act with compassion and moral sense. One will consider the effect one's actions will have on others and will want to do what is right and good.

However, if one feels that others have hurt one and are against one, one may lose empathy for their feelings. And that is exactly what we can see in the current scenario.

One may not recognise their value and worth and may not feel compassion for their welfare. No wonder, some show no compassion at the death of a poor young man with a promising future.

Being the idealist that I am, I believe that human nature is basically good and most people will not try to "gain" or "win" at the expense of harming or disabling another - unless they are evil personified.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that somehow, we are all connected and any action that we take in life or business should not hamper the success, health or welfare of another.

As humans, it is our obligation and duty to contribute to the growth and success of us all but alas, as society progresses, Man seems to have regressed in many ways and what we are witnessing in many parts of the world is the de-fragmentation of society.

Small steps vital to bring about change

The current mood is quite depressing. The situation seems bleak with little hope of change and wherever we turn, we can read more and more depressing news. In fact, I know of many who have stopped caring but indifference and passivity can only exacerbate matters and stunt growth or catalysts for change.

We can do something in our own little ways as long as it does not break the law. All it takes are small steps we take to stir the collective consciousness and moral ground of others for them to know that the next time round, they must vote by their conscience and not by party or any other reason to right the wrongs in our beautiful country.

In closing, when I was in Year 1 in the late 1960s, I sang Berjaya proudly. My parents thought I was beyond redemption but even at that young age, I remember how my heart swelled with pride and how I stood upright and sang one of my favourite songs with so much gusto.

That song still holds meaning for me because no matter what, if each and every citizen or leader were to speak, act and work with a clear conscience and full realisation of their vital role in nation-building, certainly Malaysia will 'berjaya" (succeed)....

Ernest Hemingway in Death in the Afternoon said: I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.