MBKS adopts zero-tolerance approach against wrongdoing
KUCHING: Kuching South City Council ( MBKS) has adopted zero-tolerance approach against wrongdoing and misconduct as it places emphasis on the integrity of the public service.
Its mayor Datuk James Chan said Kuching is recognised as having one of the most trustworthy, efficient and clean civil service.
“The fact that Kuching remains an attractive and businessfriendly place to live and work in is due, in no small measure, to our fine and honest civil service,” he said at the reciting and signing of corruption-free pledge held at their auditorium here yesterday.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, deputy mayor Hilmi Othman, acting secretary Tay Guan Huat and Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak deputy director Zulhairy Zaidel were among those present.
MBKS staff, Chan added, were expected to uphold the highest standard of integrity and professionalism in order to live up to the people’s expectation.
To achieve that, the city council would adhere to three key principles of ‘ Integrity, Accountability and Transparency’ as they work diligently with cost effectiveness.
“We view every case of misconduct seriously and take firm action, including prosecuting the wrongdoers vigorously where appropriate. At the individual level, efforts have been made to raise staff awareness on the high standard of integrity expected of them through a number of initiatives, such as encouraging
The fact that Kuching remains an attractive and businessfriendly place to live and work in is due, in no small measure, to our fine and honest civil service.
departments to hold briefings for their staff, and to tie in with the promulgation of departmental guidelines,” he added.
Chan added that the council has systems and processes to achieve the ISO standards to maintain integrity.
Together with its Internal Audit, Chan said they regularly reviewed and strengthened measures and internal controls to address weaknesses or adopt new circumstances.
“Beyond system and processes, it is values, beliefs and culture that define our staff and how they carry out their duties. Our staff must be anchored in, and driven by the core values of integrity, service and excellence.
“These values are embedded in our human resource processes such as training and developing our staff and assessing their performance.”
Chan, however, said even with a tight system and processes as well as efforts to build strong values, there might be people who would try to circumvent the rules.
“When wrongdoing occurs, we adopt zero-tolerance approach and take firm action against him/ her, in a decisive and transparent manner,” he said.
He is however confident that MBKS staff would continue to do their best in their work and help strengthen the public trust and confidence.
Datuk James Chan, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor