Anti-corruption committee plan to build integrity

Ahmad Faizal visiting a booth at the Perak Strengthening Integrity Seminar.

THE state government plans to set up an anti-corruption committee to enhance integrity and prevent graft among civil servants.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said it aims to be the first state to have such a platform for civil servants to report wrongdoings that could hamper the state’s bid to be clean and transparent.

“We want to have a successful and clean government.

“The committee will consist of representatives from Malaysian Institute of Integrity, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and related agencies,” he told reporters after opening the Perak Strengthening Integrity Seminar in Ipoh.

“We don’t want civil servants to lose focus of their responsibilities, which is to serve the people,” he said.

He also said that there would be an incentive for whistle-blowers but this had yet to be determined.

“We do not want to find fault among civil servants but such a platform will serve as a reminder for them to stop bad habits,” Ahmad Faizal said.

“I hope all parties will work together to improve our integrity,” he said.

Ahmad Faizal also encouraged schools to set up Integrity Clubs for students to know the importance of having strong moral principles.

He said to build integrity, one must start from young.

“I always believe in having education and awareness. Children at home or in schools need to be taught to have integrity,” he said.

Ahmad Faizal also said that Perak planned to set up an ombudsman system to investigate public institutes that fail to perform.

He said this would be a platform for people to lodge complaints as well as encourage integrity among civil servants.