Data from Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) indicates that only about 0.01 per cent of the country’s 1.6 million Public Servants are brave enough to report on corrupt practices in their Departments and Agencies.
Deputy Chief Commissioner of the MACC, Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said the figure was low despite the various incentives provided.
“Based on MACC’s data, only 343 Public Servants came forward to provide information on corrupt practices between 2012 and last year,” Mr Shamshun said.
“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,” he said.
Mr Shamshun said by doing so they could prevent individuals from requesting favours and privileges, like getting approvals for applications without going through proper regulations and procedures.
“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 said.
The Deputy Chief Commissioner said a letter issued by the Chief Secretary’s office in 2011 stated that Public Servants who lodged reports would receive the same amount as the bribes offered as an incentive.
This had resulted in the MACC disbursing about RM600,000 ($A198,000) to the 343 Government workers who lodged reports.
“On the other hand, those who fail to report bribery attempts could face action under Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009, which provides for a fine of up to RM100,000 ($A33,000) or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both, upon conviction,” Mr Shamshun said.
“The MACC will protect those who provide information, as provided for under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and the Witness Protection Act 2009,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur, 10 December 2020
