GOVERNMENT department or unit heads who fail to report corruption cases in their departments will not be promoted, warned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said it would be impossible for department heads or unit chiefs to be unaware of any cases of misconduct in their respective administrations.
“I will suggest to the chief secretary to the government during a meeting within the next one or two days the decision related to the civil servant’s salary adjustment.
“We will establish a rule that prevents heads of government departments or units from being promoted if they fail to report or address corruption within their systems,” he said.
Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya, Anwar said that although the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other authorities were doing their jobs well, the government department heads and units must also play their role.
He also expressed concern over the lack of whistle-blowing despite pervasive malpractices and urged department heads to demonstrate leadership by promptly reporting any irregularities.
“We can’t solely rely on ministers or deputies to oversee every aspect. Department heads must step up. If the responsibilities prove overwhelming due to entrenched bad practices, stepping down is a viable option.
“If it’s clear that certain departments are doing something wrong, why didn’t the head report it? Why was the head of the department not aware? They can’t be unaware of such practices that have been going on for years,” Anwar added.
He said that although there are some improvements in the auditor-general’s report compared to the previous years, more needed to be done to improve the country’s situation and make it clean with few corruption cases. – The Vibes, June 10, 2024
