PUTRAJAYA has fulfilled one-third of the 60 pledges in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) GE14 manifesto in its 100 days in government, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The prime minister said that 21 promises have been fulfilled to free Malaysia from corruption and to ensure good governance in the administration of the country.

“This effort requires a thorough and comprehensive integrated plan. The government’s commitment is in wanting Malaysia to be known for its integrity and not for corruption,” he said in his special message to commemorate PH’s 100 days in power. His speech was carried on RTM1 tonight.

Among the efforts taken by the government included establishing a Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) and the National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC).

The PH chairman also said that these efforts were crucial to save Malaysia from corruption and must be implemented promptly and effectively.

He said the GIACC was mandated to hold meetings with all the ministries’ secretaries-general to identify the risks of corruption based on issues identified in their departments.

“The secretaries-general or heads of departments are required to personally assume responsibility and discuss with the GIACC and prepare action plans, address and identify problems or issues in the organisations.

“The government will also formulate a national anti-corruption plan to comprehensively address governance issues, integrity and anti-corruption matters.

“The government will also formulate a law that allows punitive action to be taken against officials who knowingly cause leakage and wastage of government funds,” he said

To address money politics, Dr Mahathir said the Political Financing Bill is being drafted.

“A special team led by the GIACC was formed to submit a draft bill of political financing to the cabinet.

“The policy on giving gifts and donations involving ministers to political secretaries is being drafted. At present, this policy focuses only on civil servants.

“The government has also decided that ministers and their deputies will no longer issue support letters for any applications or projects. Heads of department must also disregard the letters from them,” said the PH chairman.

Dr Mahathir also said that amendments are being made in regards to asset declaration where the prime minister and his deputy will also have to declare their wealth.

“Now, asset declaration will be made to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) so that there is openness and transparency in this practice,” he said.

The government has also decided to improve the mechanism of receiving gifts, entertainment and wages by civil servants.

“The civil servants, the prime minister and the deputy prime minister will need to report what gifts, entertainment and wages were received,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said that since PH took over Putrajaya, they have fulfilled their promises not to restrict freedom of speech and media freedom.

He said that what was done in the past 100 days was not in isolation as the government took efforts to ensure that state institutions were not left behind in their consolidation as they pursue the promises in their manifesto.

He added that he was not defending the new government but sharing with the people what they have done since May 9 this year.

“Although many government leaders today have no experience of administering the country, within 100 days they have successfully fulfilled their promises and demonstrated the ability to administer,” he said. – August 17, 2018.