More efforts needed to curb abuse of public funds

From Akhbar Satar, via email

Transparency International-Malaysia supports calls reportedly made by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disasters, to step up the investigation of possible elements of corruption in mega development projects which might have triggered off the recent flash floods.

After all, the secretary-general of the Ministry of Finance has issued a directive to all ministries, federal departments, agencies and local governments to implement the Integrity Pact on 1st April 2010.

Among those who did comply with this directive was MRT Corp which signed the Corporate Integrity Pledge on 10th February 2012 witnessed by MACC.

TI-M, once again, strongly urges the Government to look not only into the growing number of outstanding cases of public projects where costs have escalated, possible abuse of public funds and overlooking the shady deals and corner cutting during project execution, but also to ensure that those who commit fraud, wrongdoers and those suspected of criminal breach of trust, cheating or leakages, cut corners by not following contract specifications are thoroughly investigated and stern punitive actions taken.

On a separate note, TI-M also applauds the DAP acting national chairman, Tan Kok Wah, who is also DAP disciplinary committee chairman, for taking disciplinary action against its own party State Assemblyman for Teluk Datuk for the alleged misconduct of misusing party state funds.

Thumbs up to DAP for advocating transparency, accountability and good governance and adhering to high standards of integrity in their conduct and discharge of their public duties.

TI-M urges not only political parties and politicians but also everyone in the street to be brave enough to stand up for what is right and speak up against what is wrong.

Public funds must be spent prudently and every elected representative including the state leader must be accountable for both public and state funds. All political parties must urgently implement changes, have strict enforcement in internal control systems, transparency, accountability, integrity and impetus for greater efficiency and implement effective measures to ensure all elected representatives have the highest integrity. Nothing less is expected from such to whom the public’s trust is given.

DAP sacks assemblyman for misuse of public funds

Akhbar Satar is president of Transparency International Malaysia

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