Take action against bad apples who tarnish civil service image, says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Action must be taken against civil servants who remain comfortable with the “old ways and practices”, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said while the number of civil servants in this group was small, their actions must be stopped as it ruins the reputation of the service, the administration or the country.

Anwar, however, did not spell out what he meant by “old practices and system”, but said that this matter was under the purview of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to act.

“We must not let a few rotten apples spoil others. There are many civil servants who are of integrity,” he said when addressing staff of the Prime Minister’s Department at the monthly assembly on Monday (July 3).

Anwar went on to explain about his surprise visit to the KLIA on Sunday following a recent incident involving a Chinese tourist.

Describing it as a “minor storm”, the Prime Minister said his visit was to defend the integrity and authority of the Immigration Department after the incident.

“I went there to give assurance that we should not give a general perception that there are issues within the department.

“But I must stress that stern and immediate action must be taken against the small group of individuals who remain comfortable and set in the old ways,” he said.

The incident was raised by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who said that a female Chinese tourist had claimed she was held up when entering Malaysia and was asked to pay to secure her release.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said it would launch a probe into allegations of corruption.

Anwar also wants officials to check on the situation on the ground to see for themselves if things are working smoothly.

“We must not make assumptions that all is good. We must go with the purpose to improve and not to find faults or criticise,” he added.

During the visit to KLIA, the Prime Minister found out that only one out of the Customs Department seven scanners and the arrival area were working while the rest had been out of service since last year.

“This matter should have been raised earlier and as Finance Minister, immediate approval could have been given to acquire new ones.

“These are one of the weaknesses that we must improve because we want to provide the best service possible to the people,” said Anwar.