BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture staff have been urged to demonstrate honesty and integrity in their duties, especially when managing funds.
Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the public sector was one of the sectors that made up 63 per cent of the total number of corruption cases in the country from 2013 to 2018.
“The tourism, arts and culture sectors are not exempted from the threat of corruption. We have many programmes and events funded by the government.
“At times, government grants are also given to non-governmental organisations and event organisers.
“I urge the ministry’s staff to practise integrity, particularly when managing funds entrusted by the government.
“If it is not curbed from the administrative level, the tendency and opportunity for corruption is very high,” he said during the launching of the ministry’s Integrity Week at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II here today.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Youth and Sports, said integrity and accountability were important principles for civil servants in performing their duties and responsibilities.
“It is important for each and every one of us, from the lowest to the highest level, to have strong principles. I am proud of our ministry’s efforts in organising the Integrity Week to address any issues related to integrity and ethics.
“I hope that none of us are involved in activities that have any elements of corruption. It is something that I do not tolerate, and the ones involved will not be protected.”
He stated that the collapse of integrity would raise issues and problems such as corruption, malpractice and abuse of power.
“Integrity among civil servants is crucial because they are entrusted to perform their duties and use their power transparently, without personal conflict, have accountability and comply with the law and order.
“Hence, high quality civil servants are important assets that contribute to the success of an organisation and ultimately the country.”
Also present were the ministry’s permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee; Majenah Lass, a representative from Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (Union) and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor.
