Malaysian Institute of Integrity board member Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo (right) presents a memento to Talib after the latter opened the NACP briefing. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Those with information on corrupt deals or practices have been urged to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or the state Integrity and Ombudsman Unit.
In making this call, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip said such information can be provided under anonymity, meaning the identity of those who lodge reports will be kept confidential.
“If taxi drivers, for example, hear corruption-related information, they can give information or report without the need of giving their name. Just call and we will investigate.
“If we don’t make a report, or it (corruption) goes unreported, then no one has information about it. Hence, we encourage people to report,” he said when met by reporters after opening a briefing on the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP), here yesterday.
Talib said the briefing was aimed at disseminating the message that the government is committed to eradicating corruption, hence the reason the people are encouraged to report acts of corruption.
“The government is doing something and the rakyat (people) should also cooperate and assist. Without this (cooperation), things would be happening much slower,” he added.
Acknowledging that it would take time to eradicate corruption, he said Malaysia ought to look up to and learn from countries that had succeeded in rooting out corruption.
“The country would see much more development in the process of eradicating corruption. Less corruption (means) more development. Based on the World Bank and the United Nations, corruption can reduce development by four per cent.
“Look at successful countries like Hong Kong and Singapore. I feel that we can also succeed (in eradicating corruption) but there are certain steps to adhere to.”
In his opening remarks, Talib said with the launch of NACP 2019-2023, the government is looking to break the corruption chain.
He observed that people on the ground were of the opinion that corruption in Malaysia had not improved much despite the government’s continued efforts.
Because of this, Talib said the scope of involvement in corruption eradication must be increased so that people at all levels would play their role.
“It cannot be done by a few individuals or the government alone. The enforcement agency needs revamping in terms of attitude, such as by making enforcement part of the culture.
“It is a whole range of process as it cannot be done in bits and pieces, but in a comprehensive manner,” he added.
In Sarawak, the minister noted that more and more individuals were becoming certified integrity officers (CeIOs) in a bid to help the state fight corruption.
“So far, there has been no political interference (in fighting corruption in Sarawak). The chief minister says we do not interfere. Any information (received), we investigate,” he said.
He said the Sarawak government during the administration of the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, was the first to sign the Integrity Pledge in 2014, adding that Adenan’s successor Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg followed suit within two weeks of taking office.
Abang Johari was sworn in as Sarawak’s sixth chief minister on Jan 13, 2017.