What is corruption?

There is no single universal definition of corruption.  But the simplest form of definition is "an abuse of authority or office for personal gain". Transparency International focuses more on the "abuse of public office for personal gain". The main law that criminalises corruption in Brunei is the Prevention of Corruption Act which can be found in Chapter 131.

Black's Law dictionary defines corruption as "an act done with an intent to give advantage inconsistent with official duty and the rights of others.  The act of official or fiduciary person who unlawfully uses his status or character to procure some benefit for himself or for another person contrary to duty and the rights of others" 

Corruption involves the dishonest or preferential use of power or position or organisation being advantaged over another.

Under our laws, corruption is the solicitation, receiving or agreeing to receive, giving, promising or offering any gratification as an inducement or reward to a person to do or forbear to do any act, with a corrupt intention.

Gratification can be a gift, service, favour or any advantage, money, loan or fees, reward or anything of value.

So if a licensing officer asked for $200 or anything of value from you say, a top up easi card, he is committing a corruption offence.

If a police officer asked for $200 to let you off from a speeding offence, he is also committing a corruption offence.