Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today reminded civil servants to steer clear of bribery as the government does not want a corrupt administration.

He also urged them to concentrate on work rather than talk, following the huge mandate given by the people to Barisan Nasional (BN) in the recently concluded election.

The premier said civil servants should meet the people's expectation of a smooth public delivery system, an efficient administration and development of a prosperous nation.

In this respect, he noted that the heavy responsibility in shouldering the people's trust was equally shared by public servants and the government.

"You are the sub-contractor and we are the main contractor, if I can use such definitions, we both have equally heavy tasks," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

'Hate bribes'

On corruption, Abdullah said civil servants owe the people efficient and sincere services.

"We can eliminate corruption without involving any cost by pledging to hate and totally reject bribes," he said at the Prime Minister's Department monthly gathering in Putrajaya.

Abdullah also called on civil servants to provide fair services.

"That is the principle upheld by the government and by those who work with the government."

He said civil servants of a particular branch of service were also clients to other public services.

"Hence, we should not do onto others if we do not wish the same thing to happen to us (while delivering services)," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was also present.

Since taking over the premiership from Dr Mahathir Mohamad last November, Abdullah has pledged to weed out corruption.

Several high-profile figures, including a minister, have been charged with corruption since. However, opposition leaders and detractors have dismissed this as eyewash and urged the premier to net the 'big fish' if he is truly committed.