A suspension bridge completed about a month ago suddenly collapsed and caused a tragedy. Once again, it sounded the alarm for Malaysian professional standards and perfunctory attitude.

How could the anchor pulled out? Is it because they did not calculate the load-bearing capacity of the suspension bridge, or is there another reason? If it is an engineering error, it means there is a lack of professional competence. It can no longer be simply regarded as a human negligence as it has now caused a death.

This is not the first accident involving the collapse of public facilities. The Perak State Park Corporation (PTNP) building constructed at a cost of RM4.5 million collapsed two years ago but until today, they have yet found the culprit. According to the investigation report, the accident was caused by the building structure which was incapable to bear the weight of the building. What kind of engineering design was that? How could they miscalculate the load-bearing capacity?

Besides, no one bore the responsibility for the collapse of the roof of a stadium and a school computer room, cracks found on a highway, potentially deadly fungus found in a newly-built general hospital, leaks in the Parliament and the use of nine years time to complete the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) building. In the end, the government was the one to accomplish the unfinished work. It has not only wasted valuable resources of the country, but as well undermined the country's reputation.

Low professional standards can be found not only in the field of construction contracting but also in the government's administrative, departmental financial management, law enforcement in government agencies, prosecution capacity of the Attorney-General Department and medical standards in general hospitals. Financial management failures in public sector revealed by the Auditor-General's Report and the people's complaints against general hospitals have proven that the quality of public health services is in a decline crisis.

The Opposition has found a new witness for Datuk VK Lingam's video clip case. It makes people to have a query about the investigative capacity of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said that the government has no way to take further action on Lingam's case as they are lack of evidence. If they really could not find any evidence, then why the Opposition was able to find a witness? The MACC is a dedicated unit to investigate corruption cases. They have vast resources and manpower. They should not hastily close the case just because the government has spent a huge amount of money to set up a Royal Commission for the case.

Without the enhancement for professional standards, it would be impossible to achieve the six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) introduce by the Prime Minister, including reducing crime and combating corruption. If they are not doing well even for the basic, how can the people live in peace?

To improve professional standards in all areas, the government must make greater political commitment, including no political intervention in academy, allowing universities to focus on improving the quality of students and courses; the separation between political parties and government, allowing capable contractors and professionals to implement government projects; and a truly independent anti-corruption commission to curb corruption and safeguard the image of professional areas.

If Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants reform, he should not neglect human flaws. Many projects and investments will end up a failure if they do not overcome the weaknesses. (By LIM SUE GOAN/Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)