Corruption among civil servants at minimal level – MACC

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KOTA KINABALU: Corruption among civil servants in the country is still controllable, according to the deputy commissioner (enforcement) of Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Sutinah Sutan.

Speaking to reporters at the launching open day of the National Key Result Area (NKRA) for combating corruption by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman here yesterday, Sutinah said that it was a good sign that corruption is at a manageable level.

“We do not deny that corruption exists but it is at a minimal level and this is a good sign,” she said.

According to Sutina, as of October this year, MACC Sabah has charged six people for corruption and also issued MACC reports to government departmental heads so that they can pursue with disciplinary action against their officers who have committed corruption offences.

Other than legal action, MACC also recommended disciplinary action as punishment on those involved in corrupt practices and wrongdoings, she said, adding that MACC had received information about corrupt activities from various sources, including from department heads.

“We have also conducted proactive efforts such as taking covert approaches,” she said, adding that reports from department heads are a good indication that they are also willing to play their roles in combating corruption in the civil service.

“We are now focusing on the campaign against those who offer bribes because according to the law, they are also committing an offence. We want the civil service to be clear of corruption, so we are urging civil servants to report if they are offered bribes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Musa during the press conference said the open day programme would bring about the desired impact on civil servants.

He urged MACC to organise more programmes frequently in Sabah such as workshops or seminars on combating corruption not only at the state level but also in all the districts in the state.

“Cooperation from all quarters is needed to address the problem as their cooperation will be beneficial to the rakyat,” Musa said.

In his speech earlier, Musa stressed that the state Government is committed in its efforts to eradicate corruption and would continue to improve its commitment by updating the relevant policies and procedures as well as strengthening authority, legislation and enforcement.