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PUTRAJAYA: Only 0.01% of the 1.6 million civil servants are brave enough to report corrupt practices in their departments and agencies, Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Chief Commissioner Shamshun said today Baharin Mohd Jamil.
He said the figure was low despite the various incentives provided.
According to MACC data, he said, only 343 public officials came forward to provide information on corrupt practices between 2012 and last year.
“Public servants have to understand that it is a crime to accept bribes and they must report if an offer is made to them.
“By doing so, they can prevent people from requesting favors and privileges, such as obtaining approvals for requests, without going through proper regulations and procedures.
“We want this to be a culture among public officials, to report on any corrupt practices, as this will eliminate corruption and abuse of power in the public administration,” he told Bernama.
Shamshun said a letter issued by the chief secretary’s office in 2011 said that public officials who make reports would receive the same amount as the bribes offered as an incentive.
He said MACC disbursed around RM600,000 to the 343 who submitted reports.
He also said that those who did not report the bribery attempts could face action under Section 25 of the MACC Act of 2009, which establishes a fine of up to RM100,000 or a prison term not to exceed 10 years or both, after the sentence.
It ensured that MACC would protect those who provide information as provided in the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2010 and the Witness Protection Act of 2009.
