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Civil servants and VIPs in 2017 - what say you?

When I started working lots of years ago, I pitied the civil servants. However, a few years ago, I sort of envied them. Come 2017, I have mixed feelings.

Back then, their salary was meagre. But then, life was simple and cost of living was not a grave issue. All Malaysians including politicians lived a life of contentment.

As time went by, to attract the brains and as some say for political expediency, their compensation packages got boosted. After many adjustments, bonuses and perks, their package is as good, if not better than some in the private sectors. Even the minimum wages for them is RM1,200 compared to RM1,000 for the private sector.

Lately, even with good remuneration packages, we still see many cases where civil servants are being charged with corruption. I suspect there would be many more if the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is given the necessary muscles, resources and proper authority to prosecute.

Soon after making positive new year resolutions to improve their services, civil servants were told that MACC has outlined several markers for graft involving civil servants. It include leading a luxurious lifestyle, playing golf as well as having girlfriends and mistresses. This could be MACC’s own resolution for 2017.

Civil servants are advised to cease playing golf overseas as this is among the indicators that showed they were corrupt and abused their power. Especially if played with high-ranking officials, public figures and people in high-society.

One of the MACC officials said, “Not only one (civil servant) goes, but the whole office goes,” He urged these civil servants to stop tarnishing the image of public service in Malaysia. He added, “In 2017 and the years to follow, we will focus on procurement and enforcement”.

This exercise is in part due to the current economic situation and the government’s aim to reduce leakages.

I trust Malaysians will be happy to note that MACC has changed its strategy from being a passive investigative body relying on whistleblowers to a pro-active intelligence-gathering agency. More investigative papers have been opened and more arrests made.

Away from home, and hardly a week into the new year, there were a couple of high-profile cases around the world.

Hong Kong's former leader who ended his term in disgrace after accepting favours from tycoons, pleaded not guilty to bribery charges. Its unpopular current leader also faces allegations of corruption over receiving a reported payment of HK$50 million before he took office. Experts say these cases send a message that the judiciary is not afraid to go after high-ranking officials.

In Jerusalem, police grilled the prime minister on suspicion of receiving gifts from businessmen. He has also come under scrutiny over an alleged conflict of interest in the purchase of submarines. Other issues include a critical report in May about his foreign trips between 2003 and 2005. Israel’s attorney-general reportedly decided to upgrade the inquiry to a criminal probe, but has yet to confirm.

Hopefully this intense initial feelings of euphoria in the MACC will not subside by the wayside within a short while.

Some proposals for MACC

While it is still hot, I trust MACC will also look inwards and consider the following proposals:

  • Etend coverage to go after not only takers but also givers;
     
  • Request for amendment to the MACC Act 2009 to include prosecuting powers. It will greatly relieve the Attorney-General’s Office to focus on more pressing matters;
     
  • Increase staffing from the current 1,600 nationwide to possibly double the number;
     
  • Ensure not only there are more investigative papers and arrests, but also a higher percentage of prosecutions;
     
  • Get the authorities to review the workings of the five-panel independent body that acts as a ‘check and balance mechanism’;
     
  • Review the Vision, Mission Statement & Objectives that make MACC independent, transparent and professional;
     
  • Ensure the motto of fairness, firmness and trustworthy and code of ethics is religiously adhered to;
     
  • Step up the strategy of educating the public against corruption and its prevention;
     
  • Review Section 7.1 (Functions) of the MACC Act 2009 ie To receive and consider any report of the commission of an offence under this Act and investigate such of the reports as the chief commissioner or the officers consider practicable;
     
  • It would be more meaningful if the markers are also applied to VIPs. It will strengthen MACC’s motto of fairness, firmness and trustworthiness.

In addition to the MACC statement, civil servants are reminded of Rule 19, Rules of the Civil Service (Conduct and Discipline) 1993. The rule provides that civil servants or those who have left the service are not allowed to publish or make any statements without the agreement from the respective minister or department. The rationale is to avoid any misunderstanding from unverified sources and wrongful interpretation related to decisions made by the government.

There is also the Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88). It is wrong to divulge any information that is related to official secrets. My question here is, is it wrong to report any wrongdoings or fraud? Taking the example of tax law, the five-year time bar (limit) is not applicable to cases involving fraud and tax evasion whether intentional or unintentional.

“And, do not cloak (and confuse) the truth with falsehood. Do not suppress the truth knowingly”. (The Noble Quran, 2:42)

We wish all the best to MACC to effectively and efficiently manage the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.

By the way, there could be some exceptions like playing golf only around Asean and not venturing to faraway places over the Indian or Pacific Oceans.

What say you...

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