DPM: Instil culture of rejecting graft
Zahid orders Home Ministry and its agencies to take anti-corruption pledge
PUTRAJAYA: A day after Malaysia’s policemen pledged to put an end to corruption and power abuse in the police force, the Deputy Prime Minister has directed all 10 departments and agencies under the Home Ministry to take a similar pledge.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Home Minister, wants them to promise to steer clear of corruption because the perception is that staff of the ministry and its agencies, who are mostly frontliners, “can be bought”.
He also said the Immigration Department would be next on the list to make the pledge with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“Most of us deal directly with the public. Some people are willing to give ‘lubricant’ (money) to expedite processing of their applications, get approval for their submissions or ask that action not be taken against them when they commit an offence.
“Many have the perception that by offering money, all can be settled. I want this perception to change.
“The culture of rejecting corruption must be ingrained in the staff,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said at the ministry’s monthly gathering here yesterday.
“From now on, I want the public to view the staff of the Home Ministry and its agencies as individuals who are incorruptible and of high integrity.
“That’s why it is important to make the pledge so that the public will have confidence in us,” he added.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said Monday’s signing of the pledge by the police to stop corruption was “historic” as it showed Bukit Aman’s commitment to keeping its personnel clean of graft.
The Deputy Prime Minister was pleased when informed by the MACC that more than 200 government departments and agencies had signed the integrity pledge.
He added that those who had yet to do so should follow suit.
He said states, including those held by the Opposition, should also do their part to fight the menace.
“Corruption does not only happen in the Federal Government and states under Barisan Nasional. We all know this also happens in opposition states.
“My point is that we should set aside political differences and fight this together,” he said.
On another matter, Dr Ahmad Zahid said it was ironic for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to organise illegal rallies when he had clamped down on rallies and street protests during his time as prime minister.
“He (Dr Mahathir) used to be very much against rallies and now he is organising one.
“If a person has principles, his stand will remain the same even if he no longer holds a position,” he said of Dr Mahathir’s plans to hold a Pakatan Harapan rally on Oct 14 in Petaling Jaya.