The Council of Churches Malaysia notes with regret the resignation of Bernard Dompok as chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee for Integrity.

From the media report , we understand his resignation was precipitated by the rejection of the officials of the National Registration Department (NRD) to attend a meeting and answer queries pertaining to the issuance of identity cards in the state of Sabah.

As much as we regret his resignation, we applaud his courage based on his conviction that issues related to transparency in the government administration should not be compromised.

Dompok has decided to stand up and be counted.

In light of such developments, the CCM humbly appeals to the prime minister to implement his stated policies of integrity, accountability and transparency by reinstating Dompok as chairperson and making sure government agencies will fully cooperate with the select committee in its work.

The writer is CCM general-secretary.