KUCHING: Civil servants have been reminded to be brave to say no to corruption.
Minister for Integrity and Ombudsman in the Chief Minister’s Office, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, said civil servants must realise that they could be the “fear factor” in the fight against graft.
“Your integrity is the fear factor. Be feared, be respected. Your duty is to serve and not take advantage of your positions because projects are implemented for the benefit of the people,” he said when addressing a discussion, he had with certified integrated officers (CeLO) from various departments at Riverside Majestic Hotel yesterday.
He insisted that all civil servants must work together with the state government in battling corruption.
“Corruption destroys countries. Thus, everyone must be at the forefront in the fight against corruption. Uphold moral values and self-discipline so that there is no room to normalise corruption,” he said.
“There are three risk areas where civil servants are prone to corruption. First is failure to follow the rules; secondly, refusal or inability to reject bribes and thirdly, the lifestyles they practise.
“For example, if you have affairs with seven women, then you need to keep them happy by giving them luxurious gifts. You need money to impress them. Because of money shortage, you borrow cash from Ah Long and get yourself trapped. Because of this lifestyle you become corrupt,” he said.
Praising the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Jo as examples who advocate honesty and integrity, he said leaders must set an example by not only refusing bribes but also must not be afraid to call out those who are corrupt.
“Abang Jo and Adenan are advocates of honesty and integrity in the state civil service. They walked the talk. We at our level must do the same.
“You may not be popular among trouble-makers but remember to be recognised as someone who enforces rules and regulations to curb the evil of graft. You will earn respect from the community,” he said.
It was recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that from 2014 until June this year, corruption was rampant among civil servants in the country. Some 46.3 per cent of 4,860 of them were arrested due to graft offences.
The survey conducted by MACC also revealed that 22.1 per cent respondents from the public sector were willing to accept bribes if they were in powerful positions.
According to Global Financial Integrity Report 2017, between year 2005 to 2014, Malaysia had lost RM1.8 trillion due to corruption.
