Stop interference of politicians in government offices

PENAMPANG: The Federation of Consumers Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) urges local politicians to stop interfering in the duties and responsibilities of top government servants.

It's chairman David Chan said his organisation continued to receive complaints from consumers regarding the unhealthy practices of some local politicians.

“The malpractices must stop because it is affecting Malaysia's efforts in the fight against corruption,” he said.

David noted politicians reportedly have interfered in administrative (enforcement) matters to serve their own interests at the expense of the rules and regulations. Based on the National Anti-Corruption

Plan (NACP) 2019-2023 document that was launched by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the chairman said such interferences happen in decision-making processes, especially those involving procurement, job appointment and legal system.

He said: “I received public complaints like violators of illegal structures managed to escape from demolition operations, and other penalties as a result of politicians allegedly ‘dictating' government officers on what to do.

“Most, if not all, corruption deter rent initiatives are either late, slow or unpopular to be implemented,” he said.

David assured that the consumer association in Sabah will continue to highlight issues of unhealthy practices committed by politicians and corruption activities both in the government and private sectors.

David also expressed satisfaction in how MACC is carrying its duties and responsibilities not only in Sabah and also nationwide.

“The MACC, must be allowed to execute its functions independently and effectively without any political interference,” he opined, adding that according to the NACP report, the rampant corruption in politics and the government had aggravated inequality in terms of income, wealth and opportunity.

“The real impact of corruption include rising living costs, declining purchasing power, power imbalances, effect on wages and growth, and increased crime rates, made worse by the increase in public debt and in leakages due to misgovernance of public funds,” the report stated.