Graft: Public sector accounts for nearly half of arrests

LIMBANG: The public sector accounts for 408, or 46.47 per cent, of 878 cases involving those arrested on suspected involvement in corruption in the country.

Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang said the figure was recorded on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) statistics for last year, as shown on the agency’s official website.

“The highest number of arrests was recorded in the public sector, involving the top officials, those in management, the professionals down to those from the support group,” he spoke at the divisionlevel Corruption-Free Pledge (CFP) 2018 yesterday, where Limbang Resident Ahmad Denny Ahmad Fauzi, MACC Limbang senior superintendent Saundi Daching, Lawas District Officer Hussaini Hakim and deputy district officer Hamidah Halpi were also present.

Stressing further, Paulus said the government is serious in its move to raise the awareness of the corruption menace that not only involves and affects those in the public sector, but also the society as a whole who is the recipient at public service.

“Its (government’s) initiatives in enhancing integrity and fighting corruption are evident through various policies enforced and programmes run by the MACC.

“One of them is the ‘Kembara Jelajah Anti Rasuah’ (Kejar) last year, aimed at promoting ‘Gerah’, which is the ‘Gerakan Revolusi Anti Rasuah’ (Anti-Corruption Revolutionary Movement) with the ‘3J’ slogan – ‘Jangan Hulur’ (Don’t Give), ‘Jangan Kawtim’ (Don’t Compromise) and ‘Jangan Settle’ (Don’t Settle). In this regard, members of the public can serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the MACC,” the assemblyman stressed, adding the upholding of integrity as well as the fight against corruption and abuse of power must obtain cooperation and strong support from both quarters – the providers and the recipients of services.

“It is not on the government alone. Both quarters must uphold integrity of the highest order and not be swayed by the temptation from any reward, luxury or privilege.

“Such temptations must go once you recite the integrity pledge,” he pointed out.

The session was hosted Limbang Resident’s Office, with cooperation from MACC Limbang and the Support Staff Section of the Human Resources Unit under the Chief Minister’s Department.