KUALA LUMPUR: All government department heads must take responsibility for ensuring that there is no mismanagement, especially in cases of embezzlement and corruption, among staff under their supervision.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said they supported the suggestion by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to promote department or unit heads who fail to report cases of corruption.
The recommendation by Anwar, he said, was to place shared responsibility at all levels to ensure good governance and integrity.
"Cuepacs hopes that all civil servants regardless of position will see this move as a positive one, especially in ensuring that the civil service is always at its best.
"Misconduct in civil service, including concealing wrongdoings, is something that we are strongly against.
"It is inappropriate for people in power to hide violations just to protect their own good name or that of certain individuals," he said in a statement today.
Adnan added that this would only worsen the situation and would not solve problems at hand.
He said all civil servants at all levels should have the awareness to combat wrongdoings, including by reporting the matter for further action to be taken.
"The reforms that the Prime Minister wants to implement do not reflect that there is high misconduct in the civil service, but it is an effort to transform the civil service towards a better direction," added Adnan.
Earlier today, Anwar suggested that government department or unit heads who fail to report cases of corruption in their departments should not be promoted.
In his speech at the Prime Minister's Department monthly gathering, Anwar said he would make the suggestion to the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali in a meeting within the next few days.