Focus on bribe givers as well — Talib

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Talib (fourth right) with Razim (third right), Mohd Faizal (second left) and others give their thumbs-up to the programme. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The investigation of corruption cases should target both givers and receivers of bribes rather than mostly focusing on the latter party.

Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip said most corruption cases tend to involve the arrest of the bribe recipient, while the one offering the bribe is unpunished.

“The formula for corruption should be giving and accepting the bribe. But most of the time, we see only the recipients of the bribe being arrested.

“In fact, two parties –recipients and the one giving – should be looked into. So my hope is that the authorities will arrest the ones giving the bribes too,” he said, stressing that when it comes to bribery, it is an offence to offer and receive.

Talib was speaking during the launch of Premier Walkabout Programme held in conjunction with World Anti-Corruption Day 2018 at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak headquarters, here yesterday.

He said Sarawak has been heading in the right direction in terms of curbing corruption ever since former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, signed the integrity pledge upon taking office.

“I believe we can do even better with the concerted efforts and commitment of all,” he said.

Talib, who is Jepak assemblyman, pointed out that it was for this reason that his portfolio was included in the state Cabinet.

Talib prepares to flag-off the programme.

“I’m not saying I’m good; I’m doing my best. We will work closely with MACC towards having a certified integrity officer at our departments and agencies to uphold integrity,” he said.

Earlier, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Foundation (YARM) Sarawak chairman Mohd Faizal Aminuddin said the walkabout programme was jointly organised by MACC Sarawak, YARM and Unit Integrity and Ombudsman Sarawak to help put corruption at bay.

He said the programme aimed to raise awareness of the community on the perils of corruption and the damage corruption could do to the country.

“Through this programme, we want to let the community know that it is not solely the obligation of MACC, but everyone’s efforts, to fight any elements of corruption,” he added.

Mohd Faizal said 100 student volunteers from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus and Kolej Komuniti Kuching took part in the programme carried out in three locations.

The locations were Kuching Waterfront, Medan Niaga Satok in Kubah Ria and Aeon Mall Kuching Central.

He said the volunteers had to approach at least 20 respondents each to complete a five-question survey.

“We picked these locations not just because they are where people hang around on the weekends, but because these places are visited by people of all social strata,” he added.

Also present at the event was MACC Sarawak director Razim Mohd Noor.