THE lack of integrity when in positions of power has been the cause of corruption among civil servants, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki.

He said according to statistics, every year almost half of the total arrests made by the MACC involved civil servants.

“This is saddening. We must stop corruption in the civil service to improve our image,” he said at the launch of the Youth and Sports Ministry’s organisational anti-corruption plan in Putrajaya today.

Azam said the MACC would never compromise with those involved in corruption and abuse of power, including its own personnel.

Meanwhile, he reminded the public that failure to report bribe offers is an offence under Section 25 (2) and Section 25 (4) of the MACC Act 2009.

He also expressed his appreciation to civil servants who had rejected any form of corruption and reported it to the authorities.

According to Azam, a total of 406 civil servants had received the recognition and reward totalling RM813,806 for reporting corrupt practices in the service.

Meanwhile, he said the Covid-19 pandemic may have disrupted economic growth and social activities nationwide but it has not stopped corruption and abuse of power.

“Enforcement is a punitive action when acts of corruption and abuse are detected.”

On April 10, Azam said that the MACC had detected an increase in big corruption cases involving crime syndicates and civil servants since Covid-19 hit the country early last year.

The increase is believed to be a result of the economic downturn due to the pandemic which has put more individuals under pressure, he said.

Azam said co-operation was important to ensure that corruption never becomes a culture in life.

“In fact, this crime must be viewed with contempt and disgust. Shoulder the trust and task given with full integrity, even if the burden is heavy, as there lies within a great reward,” he said.

Azam advised government agencies to be careful in matters of fund management and assistance after Budget 2022.

“The larger the funds allocated, the higher the risk of malpractice. Most likely there will be irresponsible parties sniffing out opportunities to line their own pockets.” – Bernama, November 9, 2021.