Reporting Graft: 11 Sabah civil servants commended

SANDAKAN, Jan 26 (Bernama) --  Eleven civil servants in Sabah received commendation from the federal government for reporting bribe offers during the past year, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah director Datuk S. Karunanithy.

According to him, the recognition is in line with the circular by the Chief Secretary in 2011 in the government's efforts and commitment to fight corruption.

"This (recognition) initiative is a platform to instill the fear factor in bribe givers, that they know, if they give a bribe, they will be caught.

"If there is an attempt by an individual to bribe, of course the action should be to refuse. But if the individual insists, then it must be reported," he told reporters after attending the Corruption-Free Pledge (IBR) ceremony by the director of the Sabah Zone Polytechnics and Community Colleges here. today.

Karunanithy also reminded that failure to report any crime of corruption among civil servants can be acted upon under Section 25 of the MACC Act which provides for a fine of RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both, if convicted.

On MACC's cooperation with Sabah polytechnics, he said that efforts to fight corruption are not limited to polytechnics only, but also extend awareness efforts among students to be members of the workforce with integrity in the future.

Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges director-general Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said the collaboration between the Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges (JPPKK) and the MACC in combating corruption needs to be strengthened in practicing the best governance whether in administration, teaching or learning.

-- BERNAMA