Clear SOPs needed to ensure success of MACC’s reward scheme, says association

 

THE standard operating procedures (SOP) for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) whistleblower incentive scheme, where civil servants are rewarded ringgit-for-ringgit for reporting corrupt practices requires careful consideration.

Malaysian Administrative and Diplomatic Service Association (PPTD) president Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said it is crucial that the person accused of corruption be accorded proper justice until they are convicted in the court of law.

In a Berita Harian report, Isham said clear SOPs for rewarding civil servants are also crucial for those who report corruption cases to avoid slander.

“PPTD welcomes the implementation of this scheme as it is time for civil servants to be given incentives and support to combat corruption,” he said to the Malay news portal.

“The SOPs need careful consideration so the accused can get proper justice until they are convicted in court while the person who reported it need to adhere to proper procedures to avoid defamation and to maintain their confidentiality.”

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was previously reported as saying that the scheme is showing success with 514 civil servants being rewarded with over RM1 mil in total between 2012 and last year for revealing and reporting corruption cases that led to conviction.

Azam also said civil servant who became whistleblowers were rewarded the same amount they were offered as gratification for taking part or aiding in corrupt activities.

Meanwhile, Isham said discussions to obtain new views and input from stakeholders need to be conducted through Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) to ensure any amendments to existing laws can be implemented transparently.

“This is important when it comes to amending existing laws or introducing new laws,” he added.

Various corruption watchdog groups had also welcomed the move to expand the graft reporting incentive scheme to the general public, calling it a positive step in the country’s anti-corruption campaign.

NST reported Transparency International Malaysia Dr Muhammad Mohan as saying that the move would encourage more people to report on corruption cases.

Similarly, Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim said the move aligns well with the long-term goal of combating corruption by creating a broader base of vigilant citizens.

In addition to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, Jais said that engaging the public not only increases the number of potential whistleblowers but also raises awareness and deterrence against corrupt practices. – Focus Malaysia