PETALING JAYA: Incorporating anti-corruption criteria in the evaluation of local governments will enhance transparency and performance, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner said the anti-graft agency is prepared to provide assistance and training if needed.
“This measure is essential in strengthening integrity, governance and accountability to achieve an efficient, clean and effective public service system,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Azam also urged local councils to establish integrity units as these units are crucial in curbing criminal misconduct and violations of disciplinary ethics at the agency level.
He said the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Academy, an internationally recognised institution under the commission, would assist in delivering anti-corruption and integrity-related training programmes.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming last Saturday said that 12 local governments (PBT) had their ratings downgraded under the Local Authority Star Rating System (SPB-PBT).
He said this was because his ministry had introduced anti-corruption criteria in the SPB-PBT to tackle corruption at town council and district levels, adding that the new anti-graft element in the SPB-PBT system is aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy approved by the Cabinet.
