Only 0.01pct of civil servants brave to report corruption - MACC
Only 0.01 percent of the 1.6 million civil servants are brave enough to report corrupt practices in their respective departments and agencies, said MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil.
He said the figure was still low, despite the various incentives provided for them.
Based on the MACC’s data, he said, only 343 civil servants came forward to provide information on corrupt practices between 2012 and last year...
Only 0.01 percent of the 1.6 million civil servants are brave enough to report corrupt practices in their respective departments and agencies, said MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil.
He said the figure was still low, despite the various incentives provided for them.
Based on the MACC’s data, he said, only 343 civil servants came forward to provide information on corrupt practices between 2012 and last year.
“Civil servants have to understand that it is an offence for them to accept bribes, and they should make a report if they are offered it so action can be taken.
“By doing so, they (civil servants) can help prevent inappropriate requests for favours and privileges, like getting approvals for applications without going through proper procedures," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview at the MACC office recently.
He added that the MACC wants the report of corrupt practices by civil servants to become a culture to stamp out corruption and power abuse in the civil service.
Shamshun cited a letter issued by the Office of the Chief Secretary to the Government in 2011 on guidelines for recognition to civil servants who report bribery, which stated that civil servants who do so would receive the same amount of the bribes offered as an incentive.
He said the MACC disbursed about RM600,000 as an incentive to 343 civil servants until end of last year for lodging reports on corruption in their departments and agencies.
It is the duty of civil servants to report bribery transactions and those who fail to do so could face action under Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009, which provides a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.
He added that the first case where the law was applied involved five employees of the Finance Ministry who were fined between RM1,500 and RM2,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Dec 2.
“Failing to report bribery transactions is also subject to action and this is to open the eyes of civil servants and the public to be more sensitive and come forward to report corruption happening around them,” he said.
He expressed the need for departments and agencies to play a role by providing support and protection to staff who report corruption cases to build a corruption-free society.
He gave the assurance that MACC would protect those who provide information as provided under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and the Witness Protection Act 2009.
- Bernama
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.