PUTRAJAYA: Department or unit heads who fail to report corrupt practices in their respective sections may lose their jobs or even face criminal charges, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said this is among the penalties being considered to punish those who stay silent on corrupt practices carried out by their subordinates.
“We want to emphasise (the need for) accountability from heads of department and senior officers to report corruption to their higher-ups and the MACC.
“If taken lightly, it can cause the administration’s collapse.
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“We welcome the Prime Minister’s suggestion, and we will work together with the Civil Service Department and Chief Secretary to the Government to discuss a suitable mechanism for reporting,” he told reporters after attending a book launch ceremony by Transparency International Malaysia titled Sin of Corruption – A Religious Perspective here on Thursday.
Apart from internal disciplinary action, Azam said that there are currently provisions under the MACC Act, where those failing to report corruption could also face charges.
He cited Section 25 of the Act, under which a person is duty-bound to report corruption.
Under the Act, those convicted for failing to do so could face a fine between RM10,000 and RM100,000 or a jail term between two and 10 years, or both, upon conviction.
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“It is an offence for not reporting any gratification offered to you or any public officer.
“It’s a criminal offence and, if found guilty, it could lead to termination of service,” Azam said.
However, he stressed that a proper mechanism has to be put in place to specifically deal with department or unit heads who fail to report corruption involving their subordinates.
Azam said this is because there are several layers of hierarchy within departments or units that need to be considered before a proper mechanism is put in place.
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“For example, those in the support group have their respective supervisors to report to, while technical assistants report to their senior engineers.
“So we need a reporting mechanism for them to report (the wrongdoing) to the higher-ups or to the MACC,” said the nation’s top graft buster.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier proposed on June 10 that government department or unit heads will not receive promotions if they fail to report any corrupt practices in their respective sectors.
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