What would you do to discourage others from bribing you? In the case of Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, his simple wooden house in Kg Pulau Melaka represents the clearest sign of his decisions.

"Chinese towkays involved in logging have surveyed my residence and come to the conclusion that this is not how someone who has a 'side income' lives,'' he said.

Nik Aziz was elaborating on a New Straits Times report yesterday which quoted him as saying during a ceramah (public talk) that he had once refused a RM1 million bribe from a logging towkay.

"It happened in my second year as menteri besar. This towkay wanted me to approve some concessions in return for the money. However, he quickly departed after seeing how my facial expression changed to one of intense rage.''

One and only time

According to Nik Aziz, who is also PAS spiritual advisor, corruption is the scourge of society for it destroys the very foundation of a civilised and just nation.

"And corruption was the very thing which led to the downfall of the previous (Barisan Nasional) government in Kelantan," he said.

"My simple house has served to protect me from all those who have harboured thoughts of bribing me, and I thank God for providing an avenue for me to resist these temptations.''

Not surprisingly, Nik Aziz added, that was the one and only time someone had tried to bribe him.

"Apparently, the towkays remarked that there is no way that someone who is living off ill-gotten gains would live in that kind of house, (a comment) which I cherish very much,'' said Nik Aziz, who uses his official residence in Kota Bharu only for meetings.