Without a will to tackle corruption,we all suffer

Such a situation should not be. The Abhisit government also refused to endorse a proposal, which was meant to deal only with ministers who should be held responsible for any mishap in government projects.

India, known to the world as the biggest democratic country, is now reeling with the same problem. And even with massive protests, the Indian government could not be bent to embrace the popular proposals for higher scrutiny powers over ministers.

An academic said something interesting: corruption is a common human habit, but what we can do is to ensure that the check-and-balance mechanism is in place to punish the wrongdoers. Yes, those who are not caught, we have to let them walk.

And it is a human habit many are ready to trade. Like actors chasing popularity, politicians exchange their personal life for a parliamentary seat. What can we offer them, if we want them to show higher accountability in return?

Lack of political will is not limited only to the anti-graft area. As witnessed by the private sector, political will is absent in boosting the country's competitiveness.

Right now, the government is busy distributing gifts to those who voted them into office, at the price that all taxpayers will have to shoulder for years. While in office, they must do all they can, to ensure that the voters would remain loyal when the next election comes. Yes, the voters deserve something in return.

In environments where available resources are limited, others are crying foul over the little money left for investment in infrastructure.

As the government celebrates its first month in office, it is more busy dealing with the cost of living issue than to think about the future.

All this can guarantee is a bleak future. Without talks on how to implement the 10 mass transit route plan, more and more are lining up at auto showrooms. It is shocking to learn that Honda forecast this year, that 920,000 new cars would hit the road, following nearly 900,000 last year. If 30 per cent of these vehicles are bought by people in Bangkok, that is equivalent to nearly 300,000 units.

Traffic is expected to get worse, as all prefer to ride their own cars during a time when bus services are poor and it is extremely difficult to get a cab. The weather conditions would get more toxic. With traffic remaining jammed all day, many workers would be late for work, reducing their productivity. Higher temperature from vehicle exhausts and air-conditioners only guarantees higher electricity use. And higher use leads to higher prices. Without political will, there is no big push for research and development, to find ways to improve individual lives and businesses.

Kan Trakulhoon, chief of the Siam Cement Group, is worried as he looks at this development. He is frustrated to learn that whenever big corporations brainstorm on key issues, no ministers can spare time to listen to their suggestions. They showed up briefly and rushed out the door for other events.

When SCG's provincial units hosted an event, MPs showed up and after a brief statement left the scene.

Being in the business world, Kan should know that politicians want more than salary. If they can promise that all industrial workers would vote for a party with the best policies on competitiveness, it is certain that many politicians would find time to listen to what the private sector wants.