ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes how factors such as history, culture, ethnic pluralism, weak regulations, and fragile institutions limit the measures to control corruption in the South and Southeast Regions of Asia. The chapter discusses the consequence of systemic corruption in the region, and strategies states are using to counter it. Traditional loyalties are deeply ingrained to the point that both civil servants and citizens feel obligated toward the tradition of social conduct that affects merit and bureaucratic neutrality in appointments and licenses; makes accountability to the public culturally alien, and encourages forging of impenetrable relationships between politicians and bureaucrats. Protected by the law and often possessing a sociopolitical advantage over those they administer, bureaucrats continue to enjoy many traditional prerogatives enjoyed by their colonial and feudal predecessors.
Trust in government institutions and government officials are low. Investors who commit to doing business in the region generally do so because of a low-wage employee base, and a compliant workforce. Bribing bureaucrats is viewed as a cost of doing business. Collaboration with dictators similarly is permitted to preserve profits for multinational corporations and senior government officials.
