The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has outlined several markers for graft involving civil servants.

According to MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki, the characteristics of such civil servants included leading a luxurious lifestyle, playing golf as well as having girlfriends and mistresses.

In an interview with the commission's online radio MACC.fm this morning, he said the markers were identified based on their probes on civil servants.

On Sunday, MACC chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad had advised civil servants, especially those in top management, to cease playing golf overseas.

"Perhaps you do not agree with the statement made by the chief commissioner and myself," said Azam, who reiterated the caution against overseas golf trips.

"But these were among the indicators that showed they (civil servants) were corrupt and abused their power. We obtained a lot of information involving high-ranking officers and senior officers playing golf abroad.

"I, too, play golf. There is nothing wrong with the game," he added.