A VIDEO clip circulating on the Internet that paints the country as corrupt has caused concern among Malaysian authorities.

The clip claims, for example, that if you commit a traffic offence on Malaysian roads, you can get away without a fine by paying between RM5 ($2.10) and RM50.

If you want your renovation plans to be approved without any fuss, just fork out RM1,500.

Called Malaysia Rules, the clip, which features just English words, is played to the tune of Malaysia's national anthem Negaraku, reported Harian Metro.

It lasts almost two minutes and can be seen on video-sharing website YouTube.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, which regulates the country's communications industry, said it is trying to get co-operation from YouTube to withdraw the video.

It is also appealing to the public for information about the source of the video.

Among the bribery claims the clip makes:

Traffic offences:

• You can get away with a bribe of between RM5 and RM50 if your car is worth less than RM100,000 ($42,000)
• Between RM50 and RM100 if your car is worth more than RM100,000
• If you are driving a Singaporean car, the amounts will be higher and have to be negotiated further

Driving test:

• To pass, pay testers RM200

Renovation plan:

• To fast-track home renovation plan with the Department of Housing, pay RM1,500. But that will still take nine months.

Fire insurance:

• RM1,000 to fast-track fire insurance claim from the Fire and Safety Department

Other government departments such as the income tax department and the police force are also accused in the clip of having 'bribery schemes'.

The clip also claims that restaurant licences and firearm licences can be renewed faster by paying RM30 to RM100.

Even Puspakom, Malaysia's privatised commercial vehicle inspection agency, can be bribed to ensure a thumbs-up during a lorry inspection, claims the clip.

MORE ASPERSIONS CAST

The clip ends with a line claiming that if you are arrested eventually, it's not because you have committed a crime but because you did not pay the appropriate bribe.

The video is also interspersed with other inflammatory lines, such as: 'If you are not one of Umno, better keep your mouth shut' and 'Umno is useless'.

This article was first published in The Electric New Paper on June 20, 2008.