KUALA LUMPUR: Public institutions should emulate the Immigration Department in openly disclosing disciplinary action against errant officers as part of efforts to strengthen integrity and public confidence in government agencies, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Lee, a member of the Integrity Institute, praised the department for revealing that 77 officers had been dismissed since 2022 for various disciplinary and integrity-related offences.
He said the disclosure, which included offences such as breaches of standard operating procedures, abuse of power, chronic absenteeism, drug-related misconduct and smuggling of prohibited items, reflected a commendable commitment to accountability.
"By openly sharing these figures, Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban has demonstrated a refreshing commitment to transparency and accountability," he said when contacted on Sunday (May 31).
Lee said public trust remained the cornerstone of effective governance, adding that concealing internal failings would only undermine confidence in public institutions.
"Instead, this proactive approach fosters a culture of responsibility and sends a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated.
"It shows that the department prioritises the integrity of its public service obligations above protecting individual errant officers," he said.
Lee said transparency in internal disciplinary action should become the norm across the civil service rather than remain an exception.
He said public institutions that operated without sufficient openness risked creating an environment where corruption, abuse of power and negligence could flourish unchecked.
"By routinely publishing similar data on disciplinary measures, departments can cultivate a more disciplined, accountable and professional workforce," he said.
Lee also stressed that public service was a privilege, and that officers who violated SOPs or engaged in corrupt practices betrayed not only their departments but also public trust and national security.
"Demonstrating that there are consequences for such actions is essential for maintaining the rule of law," he said.
He called on the civil service as a whole to adopt a model of institutional integrity grounded in transparency and accountability.
"By embracing transparency, government agencies can actively work to eliminate any systemic rot.
"A government that fearlessly audits its own ranks earns the respect of its citizens.
"Only then can we hope to build a more robust, honest and truly service-oriented public sector," he added.
