Photo: Gemini AI
PETALING JAYA: There must be follow-up action against government department heads for misconduct to prevent the Demerit Performance Evaluation System (DEEP) from becoming meaningless, says the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).
The commission noted that while consistent reporting of misconduct is a good start, what matters most is transparent and effective action after a report is made.
"Department heads must be responsible for ensuring that every report of misconduct is taken seriously and followed by effective corrective measures.
Without follow-up action, reporting becomes nothing more than meaningless records," the EAIC said in a statement on Saturday (Sept 6).
The commission was responding to a statement by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar on Wednesday (Sept 3) regarding the DEEP evaluation report for ministries' secretary-generals between January and June this year.
This is the first time ministries' secretary-generals are being evaluated under the DEEP system to monitor their performance and provide transparent and accountable checks and balances.
Shamsul Azri noted that the evaluation, which aligns with the Public Service Reform Agenda, is not intended as punishment and has led to significant improvements in secretary-generals' performance.
The EAIC said DEEP provides more consistent and systematic reporting of misconduct while strengthening the culture of integrity in the public service, which should increase public confidence in government governance.
"The implementation of job rotations involving sensitive and non-sensitive positions at the ministerial level has also improved and become more effective," the commission added.
The EAIC also supported the emphasis on accountability and integrity in DEEP's implementation, stating it proves that misconduct cannot be taken lightly.
"The implementation of DEEP should also be considered in light of Malaysia’s position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
With a score of 47/100 in 2024 and ranked 61st out of 180 countries, it is clear the integrity of the public sector still has significant room for improvement," the statement read.
It added that DEEP should not merely serve as a monitoring tool but must be a catalyst for stronger reforms, including strengthening internal controls.
This includes ensuring follow-up actions on misconduct reports and enhancing enforcement.
"Integrity cannot merely be a slogan. It must be manifested through concrete actions by the government that are capable of convincing the people and improving the nation’s standing in the eyes of the world," the commission said.
