KUCHING: The new state Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has received praise for its strong stance against any abuse of power and wastage in the civil service.
Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri praised state PAC chairman Aidel Lariwoo for saying that the new committee would not hesitate to refer civil servants to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and censure offenders.
“As the new chairman, he (Aidel) has given his assurance that the committee will look into corruption, which is very encouraging,” said Nancy during the closing of the state-level International Anti-Corruption Day 2016 yesterday.
The new bipartisan state PAC also includes assemblymen Lo Khere Chiang (BN-Batu Kitang), Datuk Ranum Mina (BN-Opar), Chiew Chiu Sing (DAP-Tanjung Batu), Alexander Vincent (BN-Ngemah), Yussibnosh Balo (BN-Telian) and See Chee How (PKR-Batu Lintang).
Nancy said the committee would have better access to relevant documents to take action in corruption cases or those involving wastage of government funds.
“This is one of the biggest challenges (incomplete documents). A corruption case can be easily charged in court but without proper documents, the case will fall short,” she said.
She also called on heads of government departments to be more sensitive to ‘warning signs’ shown by staff member such as living a lavish lifestyle beyond their means; failing to produce evidence of how such property was attained; secretiveness; holding meetings outside the office; and preferring to work alone.
She said MACC could provide guidelines to deter corruption and any form of criminal breach of trust (CBT) among new employees.
“We do not want our civil servants to be marred by corruption as it can ruin the overall image of the whole civil service,” she added.