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Kedah BARS civil servants from golfing overseas or during office hours in

ALOR STAR: Kedah has barred its civil servants, especially highranking officials, from golfing overseas or during office hours to avoid opportunities for corruption. Speaking during his 2017 New Year address to the state’s civil servants yesterday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said this was to maintain the integrity of the government and its departments, and that the ban was effective immediately.

“This ban on golfing overseas or participating in golf packages with contractors, suppliers or individuals with vested interests during office hours applies to all officials from state departments and agencies.

“The state and federal administration must not only be seen as clean, with zero corruption, competent and efficient, but should also steer clear of any acts that are against the law,” he said at Wisma Darulaman here yesterday.

Ahmad Bashah said although leisure activities are necessary, it was not right to do so during one’s working hours.

“So, don’t go bringing your contractors to play golf. Stay clear of corruption and any lavish lifestyle as suggested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) .

“Perform the duty given to you nobly and with integrity, to further strengthen

our credibility,” he said.

Ahmad Bashah’s (pix) directive follows a similar warning by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron earlier this month.

Idris had banned civil servants in the state from playing golf during office hours from 8am to 5pm, even while on vacation and on weekends.

He said the measures implemented since he became chief minister in 2013, among other things, aims to protect the image of civil servants and state governments, especially in the eyes of the people.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad had earlier this month cautioned civil servants against going on overseas golfing trips, especially in Indonesia and Thailand, as it provided opportunities for corrupt practices.

“They are not professional golfers and there is no need for them to go abroad just to play golf,” he said, adding that the agency was continuously monitoring and had information on activities conducted by government officials.

His deputy Datuk Azam Baki said golfing, living beyond their means, keeping mistresses or having girlfriends are indicators of corruption and those involved will find themselves under the scrutiny of the anti-graft body.

“While this does not prove that they are corrupt, these are signs.

“So, our intelligence officers will investigate if the money is illegitimate,” he said.