KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) staff members took their corruption-free pledge (CFP) in a ceremony held at MBKS Hall here, yesterday. The event was also attended by Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian. “Congratulations to MBKS for taking this corruption-free pledge which shows its support against corruption. “MBKS is playing an important role to society being the biggest council among the 26 councils in the state.
It must provide better services, give more impact to society and be people-centric,” Dr Sim pointed out.
State Deputy Director of Malaysian Anti -Corruption Commission (MACC), Zulhairy Zaidel who read the State MACC Director, Dato Haji Badrul Shah Norman’s text of speech said the commitment shown by MBKS staff members was a sign of the council’s wish for an environment that is free of graft and conducive for working.
“The pledge is vital for the council specifically, and the government as a whole, for a clean and transparent administration, while at the same time building better trust of the public towards the government,” said Badrul.
For the record, MBKS is the 13th local authority (PBT) to take the corruption free pledge. Fifty Four CFP had been taken involving ministries, government departments and agencies in Sarawak. On a related matter, Badrul said MACC, through its community education unit, has formed the Anti Bribe Revolution Move or ‘Gerah’ to intensify awareness among the public on the consequences of giving and accepting bribes.
“Up to date, there are 120,000 volunteers under Gerah has been registered in Malaysia and of the number, 10,500 are Sarawakians. “We will embark on more intensive programmes such as seminars and talks while at the same time approach more government departments and agencies,” he said. He pointed out that MACC personnel would make their presence felt nationwide and urged civil servants and the public in general to work together with MACC to fight bribery and corruption for a progressive nation. MBKS Mayor, Dato James Chan Khay Syn was also present.
