New chairman, new rules

THE National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is in the midst of formalising a set of rules and regulations on integrity, which will include the declaration of assets, having open tenders, and a sexual harassment policy.

Its chairman, Charles Santiago, says there is a group tasked with working on these rules and regulations.

“This will be put forward for a decision at the next commission meeting.

“A sexual harassment policy is part of integrity. So that there will be no harassment taking place because of gender. (It) works both ways, I mean, men too get bullied,” he says in a recent interview.

The rules and regulations on integrity will be enforced not only at the commission’s headquarters in Cyberjaya but also at all its other offices nationwide.

Although there are currently laws under the Penal Code and a public service circular to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces, there is no specific legislation.

The Code Of Practice On The Prevention And Eradication Of Sexual Harassment In The Workplace is not legally binding.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is expected to begin drafting a Bill specifically on sexual harassment once a sexual impact study ends next month.

On the declaration of assets, Santiago says this will be submitted to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

He says SPAN will also try to include these rules and regulations on integrity in business plans submitted by the water operators.

“We always think that business plans always have to be about expenditure. But you also can put this in. Integrity should be part of that plan,” he says.

With the new government, adds Santiago, integrity is key.