PETALING JAYA: Corruption in the civil service is not a victimless act as it weakens a government’s moral authority and hampers national development, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He added that corruption in the public sector goes beyond individual wrongdoing as it erodes confidence in institutions, undermines the rule of law, and deprives citizens – especially vulnerable groups – of fair access to essential services.
Lee, a member of the Malaysian Integrity Institute, said that intensifying efforts to eliminate corruption in the civil service is therefore vital to rebuild public confidence and ensure good governance.
“A clean and professional civil service is essential for effective policy implementation, economic stability, investor confidence and social cohesion,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 6).
He also stressed that eliminating corruption must be seen not just as a legal or administrative task, but as a moral imperative central to good governance and national stability.
Meaningful reform requires a comprehensive and sustained approach, beginning with strong political will and independent, empowered enforcement agencies, he noted.
“The law must be applied consistently and without fear or favour. Transparency in decision-making, open access to information and robust internal controls should become standard practice across all departments,” he said.
Equally important, Lee said, is nurturing a culture of integrity within the civil service through continuous ethics training, clear codes of conduct, and proper protection for whistleblowers.
“Leadership by example is critical. Officers who uphold integrity must be recognised and protected, while those who abuse their positions must face swift and proportionate consequences,” he said.
He also underscored the role of public participation in fighting corruption, noting that civil society, the media and citizens must be empowered as partners in accountability.
“The fight against corruption requires persistence, courage and collective responsibility.
“By remaining firm in our commitment to integrity and good governance, we can build a civil service that truly serves the public interest and earns the respect and trust of the nation,” he said.
