Penang govt finally signs corruption-free pledge

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has finally signed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s corruption-free pledge today, after coming under intense heat for its perceived reluctance to sign the pledge.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his state executive council members signed the pledge at the Komtar building in the presence of MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad.

Dzukifli said he was glad that the DAP-led state government has finally agreed to sign the pledge.

This, he said, shows the state government commitment to fight corruption and run a corruption-free administration.

“This pledge is a little special as ten integrity measures have been added by the state government.

“MACC has no problem with the additions as they are just a added measure, which shows the state’s commitment in fighting corruption,” he told reporters.

The state government had drawn flak from various quarters when it initially refused to sign the pledge, claiming that it had its own integrity guidelines.

However, the state government finally agreed to sign the pledge provided that its 10 integrity measures were added.

Lim had said the 10 integrity measures include putting in practice the state government’s principles of CAT (competent, accountable and transparent), practising open competitive tenders and institutionalising the public declaration of assets by the chief minister, state executive council members and assemblymen.

Under the measures, members of the administration are banned from getting approvals for state land, their families cannot do business or gain contracts from the state government and they are not allowed to receive personal “donations”.

The measures also contain a provision to provide full protection for genuine whistle blowers, a provision to take action against government leaders who live in luxury beyond their means and transparency in political contributions.

Dzulkifli said that he was very concerned about Penang’s delay in signing the pledge.

“As I was born here (in Penang), I felt it was embarrassing that my own state had yet to sign the pledge.”

He said only Kelantan and Selangor have yet to sign the pledge.

“Kelantan will be signing it next week and I am still waiting for a date from Selangor.

“After the two states sign the pledge, MACC will have to monitor and ensure that the states uphold the pledge.”