KUCHING: Corruption opportunities in Sarawak mainly involve enforcement and government procurement, says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya.
However, he said corruption in Sarawak is still minimal and under control.
“Corruption in the procurement process usually involves contractors colluding with civil servants to make false claims, for example claiming payment for a project which has not been completed.
“More scrutiny is needed to resolve this issue,” he said at the state-level International Anti-Corruption Day celebration here on Friday (Nov 7).
Ahmad Khusairi said the Government Procurement Bill, which was recently passed in Parliament, would help the state government manage procurement issues.
The Bill aims to standardise procurement processes in the public sector, with approvals following a tiered threshold.
Controlling officers, procurement boards and ministers, including the mentri besar or chief ministers at state level, will have approval authority depending on the contract value.
“Civil servants in the enforcement and procurement sectors must look into this and do better,” Ahmad Khusairi said.
He also urged civil servants to work with the state government in its commitment to foster integrity and improve governance.
“Corruption is the enemy of the country. Civil servants, especially those in enforcement agencies, must carry out their duties with integrity,” he added.
Meanwhile, state Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said initiatives such as International Anti-Corruption Day were part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen integrity, good governance and accountability. He said efforts to stamp out corruption and abuse of power must go down to the grassroots.
“Heads of departments must be vigilant against any little Napoleons to prevent abuse of power,” he said, adding that civil servants must follow proper procedures and not their whims or personal interests in performing their duties.
