Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today appeared puzzled by the attitude of several Muslim civil servants, who he claims believe that bribery is "less sinful than consuming alcoholic drinks."<br /><br />Speaking at a meeting with civil servants in Putrajaya, he pointed out that they appeared to be more religious than those who served during the British colonial era.<br /><br />"The civil servants during the British era were hardly involved in corruption, and they behaved like the British officers. They adapted to the Western lifestyle, including consuming alcoholic drinks.<br /><br />"But now, the officers are religious. They have a mark on their foreheads because they pray a lot. They pray, fast and perform the pilgrimage," he said.
