Governor: Safeguard reputation of civil service

GEORGE TOWN: “Steer clear of corruption.”

This was Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas’s advice to civil servants in Penang.

He said rejecting corruption was important to safeguard the reputation of the civil service.

“Strengthen your principles, reject bribery and be stern against abuse of power that can cause leakages,” he said in his opening speech at the 13th state legislative assembly here yesterday.

He said he fully supported the state government’s initiatives in combating corruption.

“This includes the removal and dismissal of state civil servants from their duties (and the sacking of) those found guilty of corruption.”

Rahman expressed hope that civil servants in the state would not hesitate to report suspicious activity to the authorities.

“I hope they will be brave enough to report cases involving people offering bribes to civil servants.”

Rahman also urged Penangites to respect Islam as the state’s official religion.

“Islam is a religion that is based on knowledge. Therefore, it is compulsory for Muslims to get a balanced education.”

He said all Islamic schools, or Maahad Tahfiz, in the state should be registered to ensure students received quality education.

Earlier, Rahman opened the state’s 13th state legislative assembly sitting in a ceremony steeped in tradition.

During the ceremony, Rahman inspected a guard of honour mounted by 102 policemen, as the state police contingent band played the national and state anthems.

Present were Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and assemblymen.