Mr. Mohd Zuki Ali, the chief secretary to the federal government in Malaysia, stated that the decrease in the number of Malaysian civil servants convicted in corruption cases in recent years demonstrates integrity within the work culture. Despite concerns about widespread corruption, the number of corruption-related convictions among civil servants has been declining since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, there were 74 convictions out of 1.48 million civil servants, which dropped to 70 the following year, and fell to 21 in 2022. Additionally, disciplinary action was taken against 8,556 underperforming civil servants in 2022, with only 140 being taken to court for power abuse or corruption.
Mr. Zuki emphasized that the government is committed to maintaining a good and transparent governance in the public service by taking serious action against civil servants involved in corruption cases. He highlighted that a total of 493 government officials were fired in 2022, compared to 239 in 2021 and 165 in 2020, totaling 897 dismissals. These actions aim to uphold the integrity of the public service and ensure that misconduct is not tolerated.
In efforts to address misconduct and weaknesses in the civil service, Mr. Zuki mentioned the establishment of the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and managed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). This committee is focused on enhancing governance and combating corruption within the government. The commitment to strengthening governance and integrity within the civil service is evident through these measures put in place by the government in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The comments by Mr. Zuki come at a time when there is an ongoing crackdown by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on political and public figures involved in graft cases. The efforts to combat corruption and ensure good governance extend beyond the civil service to the broader spectrum of public officials. With a focus on maintaining integrity and transparency, the government is taking decisive action to address corruption and power abuse within its ranks.
The decrease in corruption-related convictions among Malaysian civil servants in recent years reflects a positive shift towards a more transparent and accountable work culture. While there are still cases of misconduct that require attention, the overall trend suggests that efforts to instill integrity within the public service are yielding results. By taking disciplinary actions and holding individuals accountable for their actions, the government is sending a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated, and that good governance is a top priority.
Overall, Mr. Zuki’s statements underscore the government’s commitment to upholding integrity and transparency within the civil service. Through proactive measures and collaborations with relevant agencies, Malaysia is working towards a culture of integrity that ensures good governance and combats corruption. The ongoing efforts to address misconduct and shortcomings within the civil service demonstrate a dedication to fostering a work environment that values honesty and accountability.
