PUTRAJAYA: Only 0.01% of the 1.6 million civil servants are brave enough to report on corrupt practices in their departments and agencies, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said today.
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He said the figure was low despite the various incentives provided.
Based on 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 report if they are made an offer.
“By doing so, they can prevent individuals from requesting favours and privileges, like getting approvals for applications without going through proper regulations and procedures.
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“We want this to be a culture among civil servants – to lodge reports on any corrupt practices – as this will eliminate the civil service of corruption and power abuse,” he told Bernama.
Shamshun said a letter issued by the chief secretary’s office in 2011 stated that civil servants who lodged reports would receive the same amount as the bribes offered as an incentive.
He said MACC disbursed about RM600,000 to the 343 who lodged reports.
He also said those who failed to report bribery attempts could face action under Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009, which provides for a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both, upon conviction.
He gave an assurance that MACC would protect those who provide information as provided for under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and the Witness Protection Act 2009. – FMT