Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION by Dr Tan Tek Seng
4 June 2025

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭

The pursuit of wealth, when driven by excess and disregard for integrity, often results in unwise decisions that harm not only the individual but also those around them.

A striking example is the case of the wife of a former PM of Malaysian. Her extravagant lifestyle and insatiable desire for luxury goods drew intense public scrutiny, especially in light of the economic struggles faced by many Malaysians. Following the ruling government’s fall in the 2018 election, authorities confiscated a staggering amount of assets linked to the couple, including 12,000 pieces of jewelry worth nearly RM1 billion, RM100 million in cash across 26 countries, 423 luxury watches valued at RM70 million, 567 designer handbags worth RM50 million, and 234 pairs of branded sunglasses valued at RM400,000. She was convicted of bribery and sentenced to 10 years in prison for her involvement in a RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project scandal. However, she was later acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Her relentless pursuit of wealth and power not only tarnished her own reputation but also severely damaged the integrity of the ruling government. This case serves as a sobering reminder of how unchecked greed can lead to unethical behavior and long-term consequences.

1 Timothy 6:9 warns believers against allowing the desire for wealth to consume their lives, cautioning that such pursuits can lead to spiritual ruin. It  urges us to seek virtues that bring lasting fulfillment and eternal reward.

“Greed blinds us from recognizing the true value of what we already possess.”