LETTER | The latest jaw-dropping dragnet investigations into the Human Resource Ministry comes as no surprise to many of us.

Speculation on the ground is that corruption has become widespread and deeply entrenched in a nation that boasted of achieving Vision 2020 - and has pathetically failed.

The 1MDB scandal is still hanging like an albatross around the nation's neck amid moves to obtain pardon for a once number-one leader of the nation.

Ongoing trial of another leader for alleged money laundering does not seem to galvanise citizens into action to cleanse the nation of corruption once and for all.

Counter-legal suits and police reports in defence of alleged wrongdoers keep gaining traction.

Numerous individuals in the corridors of power and those from the business sectors who are also equally guilty of thriving on corruption are seemingly continuing with their actions despite the dragnets gaining momentum by the day.

It is also mind-boggling to think how on earth are the justice system, police and the MACC going to cope, and for how long, all these corrupt dealings being unearthed.

The mega-scale corruption that is literally paralysing our daily life in so many ways - from escalating inflation to shortage of essentials including government subsidised goods - is not even kick-starting a revolt against the corrupt.

The declining standards of education, healthcare, and so many public services are not being addressed.

Indeed, while it is easy to pin the malaise on the government, the root of the problem goes down to the attitude of the citizens.

As long as people do not combat corruption decisively in any and all forms, we will not be free of this endemic disease.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.