Cuepacs backs PM on withholding promotions if graft not reported

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has backed Anwar Ibrahim’s warning that managers in the civil service will be denied promotions if they fail to report corruption within their department or unit.

Its president Adnan Mat said the prime minister’s warning should be viewed positively.

“The prime minister’s suggestion places a collective responsibility at all levels within a department to ensure governance is executed effectively and without integrity violations,” he said in a statement today.

“Cuepacs hopes that all civil servants, regardless of rank, view this measure positively to maintain the highest standards within the public service,” he added.

Anwar gave the warning during his monthly address to the Prime Minister’s Department this morning.

He stressed that the responsibility to combat corruption does not solely lie with enforcement bodies, emphasising that civil service leaders themselves must take responsibility to root out wrongdoing within their ranks.

Anwar also questioned how rampant corruption could persist for years within the civil service without top officials being aware of it - which he said was "impossible".

However, Adnan in his statement, said the new measures are not indicative of widespread wrongdoing but are a step towards transforming the public service to better meet contemporary demands and maintain relevance and efficiency.

He also said this highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability within the civil service.

“It is not appropriate for those in power to hide governance violations merely to protect their own reputation or that of certain individuals.

“This will only worsen the situation and fail to resolve the problems that occur,” he said. - Mkini