The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public And Civil Services (Cuepacs) has welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's warning against overseas golfing trips.

Its president Azih Muda said that enforcement of the rule would help to curb corruption and abuse of power.

A willingness to follow the rule would also improve the public sector's overall integrity, said Azih as quoted by Utusan Malaysia yesterday.

"We should view the warning from MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad on tendency by civil servants to play golf overseas in a positive light.

"The warning was made sincerely to correct the existing system (and making it) more transparent and prevent people from talking behind our backs," Azih was quoted as saying.

Azih added that civil servants should realise that authorities including the MACC would have information on their activities.

Dzulkifli, an interview published by Utusan Malaysia yesterday, said civil servants, especially those in top management, should stop playing golf overseas.

"They are not professionals golfers and there is no need for them to go overseas simply to play golf," he said, adding that the MACC had information that some of these civil servants would encounter those with vested interests on the golf course.

While the individuals may be paying for their own travel expenses, he said the interested parties would be footing other bills, including shopping.

The MACC has carried out a number of stings against high ranking civil servants since Dzulkifli took over in July.

This includes its biggest bust in history, where RM53 million in cash was seized from top officers from the Sabah Water Department who were accused of graft.