KUALA LUMPUR: The idea of using rotations for sensitive positions to reduce corruption does not seem to be working, say experts.
Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry is prepared to implement frequent rotations of postings within key agencies under its purview to ensure the integrity of its services.
This move follows the remand of four Immigration Department officers suspected of being involved in a syndicate that smuggled foreigners into the country.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Public Service Department has been implementing rotation exercises for civil servants in sensitive positions since 2016.
Transparency International Malaysia president Dr Muhammad Mohan said that if rotations have been implemented since then, they have not been effective.
"Has rotation helped to reduce corruption? I will say no because it is still happening.
"At one time, we saw corruption at immigration, then customs and then another one. Although they can do it, it does not work," he said.
Mohan said the best way for those in sensitive positions found with wrongdoings, failing to do their duties, violation procedures or policies is to be terminated.
"This is not being done, and because it is not being done, you continue to have the problem persisting, again and again," he said.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said if the rotations are not executed as planned or if there is insufficient oversight, the policy's impact may be diminished.
"In the absence of specific data or reports, assessing its current effectiveness requires examining recent examples of its implementation or lack thereof.
"Historical precedents suggest that while policies like these are announced with good intentions, adherence can be inconsistent.
"Often, there is a gap between the announcement and the actual implementation due to bureaucratic inertia, resistance from within the agencies, or lack of enforcement mechanisms.
This inconsistency can undermine the intended benefits of the rotation policies," he said.
Sundramoorthy said to determine if the government has consistently adhered to these policies, one would need to review the actual instances of rotations carried out since the 2016 announcement.
He added that it is also important to assess whether these instances align with the intended policy framework.