Ethics in Engineering: Uncovering Accountability in Malaysia's Construction Practices

 

I read the following tweet and commented and it started a long discussion with an engineer.

Syaza Shukri @syazashukri Sep 1

Even for Malaysia, cutting MPs’ allowances isn’t just about saving money. It’s also a way to filter out those who join politics for perks, not for the people. #solidarity

Luqman Michel @luqmanmichel Sep 2

Would that include civil engineers who don't comment on relevant posts?

Here is a post you may have some comments on.

https://luqmanmusings.blogspot.com/2025/09/criminal-implications-of-certifying-non.html

Jurutera 🇲🇾 @JuruteraAwam

Hi Luqman, have you considered contacting the board of engineers @BEM_Engineers ?

Luqman Michel @luqmanmichel

I emailed them this morning. It would be helpful if we have engineers with integrity who follow up by contacting BEM in writing to request an explanation.

https://luqmanmusings.blogspot.com/2025/09/formal-complaint-against-zaidun-leeng.html

Jurutera 🇲🇾 @JuruteraAwam Sep 2 Replying to @luqmanmichel and @BEM_Engineers

They probably don’t have to respond, because you just said they have responded to your letter. That’s as official as it gets. Why not write them another letter when you get the new evidence as you said; but you also said your lawyers have taken over the case. Wouldn’t it be better to leave that to your lawyers? What are you trying to achieve here?

As I mentioned before, you’ll have a better chance to engage a local licensed engineer rather than strangers on the internet. We cannot make assessment using telepathy over the internet, another issue is even with photos and plans, it is important to have local experience. To make any public comment not based on facts would actually be unethical.

Because of you, I have made my profile private to protect any junior engineers from being triggered by your unnecessarily aggressive posts into making public comments on the project, therefore go against ethical professional conduct and have their future career jeopardised.

 

Luqman Michel @luqmanmichel

OK. Tell me what I am to ask by engaging a local engineer which I have not discovered in the last 3 years of my research?

Do you need local experience to respond to a submission by an engineer who has said he supervised a retaining wall which does not exist?

No professional worth his salt should be worried about public comments.

 

Julian Putra @ketuakampong

An engineer is supposed to be a professional. The code of ethics guides and dictates his actions. When engineers stray, they should be removed from the BEM register and not be allowed to practice. BUT guess who administers the BEM? Like all the rest, no report, no action.

 

Jurutera 🇲🇾 @JuruteraAwam

If you have concerns about safety of a slope, then you could engage a local licensed professional engineer to assess the safety of the slope.

 

Luqman Michel @luqmanmichel

Forget about the safety of the slope.

My question is simple. How did the engineer give an A/RS certificate stating that he inspected a retaining wall that was/is not there?

Why do I need an engineer to tell me if a retaining wall is constructed?

 

The African proverb "No matter how long a piece of wood stays in a river, it will not become a crocodile" means that a person's or thing's true nature or essence cannot be changed by external circumstances or prolonged exposure to a different environment. Just as a piece of wood remains wood despite being in the river, a person or thing retains its fundamental qualities regardless of time or surroundings. It emphasizes the idea that core identity or characteristics are inherent and unchangeable, no matter the context or influences.