Serving the public: Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department personnel, Siti Noor Cahaya Madihi posing with a banner encouraging people to report bribery. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: It takes two to tango when it comes to corruption, so the task of stopping the practice should fall on both receivers and the givers, says Cuepacs secretary-general Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin.
This would ensure the integrity of the public services remained intact, he said.
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While civil servants should strictly adhere to the code of ethics in their service, he said that the public must not expect “special” treatment either.
“It’s unfair to only point fingers at civil servants. The public too must be responsible.
“If there isn’t a hand giving (the bribe), there would also be no hand stretching out to accept it.
“It is important for both parties to understand the rules and regulations,” he said in reference to recent allegations of graft in certain government offices.
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Abdul Rahman said there was also a need to review the salaries of government workers, adding that wages have been stagnant amid the rising cost of living.
He said it has been over a decade since the salary scheme was last revised.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal to revise the scheme would be brought to the Cabinet, adding that the current salaries were deemed low and last revised in 2013.
Abdul Rahman also said that the use of technology must be further enhanced.
“Using the latest technology in government services would make it hard for corruption to take place as everything will be on record,” he added.
MTUC president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said it was time to bring back public service campaigns to spur awareness on corrupt practices as well as the functions of agencies.
He said the public in general lacked knowledge on how departments or agencies function, leading to unwanted incidents taking place.
“Awareness on both sides (public and civil servants) is the key because both sides bear responsibility for their actions.
“Each department has its own way of working, and this is something the government should continuously inform the public on.
“On the other hand, the public should be aware that if there are unwanted incidents taking place, there are avenues for them to complain.
“At the end of the day, when you are dealing with human beings, anything can happen. Sometimes miscommunication happens, so both sides should know their role,” said Mohd Effendy.
Civil servant Y. Ravivarman said government officers must be reminded of the pledge they made on joining the service.
“Honesty, trust and accountability are pivotal in doing our job. It will indirectly lead to us and the government gaining public confidence and respect.”
Ravivarman, 27, also said that the public should play their role as well.
“Don’t hesitate to file a complaint if you suspect an officer is soliciting for money,” he added.
