Latest news with #IsmailBakar
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
EAIC rebrands with enhanced SOPs, new logo
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has announced a rebranding of the organisation and a new logo. The new look symbolises the renewal and strengthening of the institution's role as an independent monitoring body, it said in a statement on Friday (Aug 8). ALSO READ: Ensuring public is served According to the EAIC, the exercise aligns with its mandate under the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009. "It is a continuation of progressive reform efforts initiated since last year, which include the establishment of a Special Task Force to investigate high-profile cases of public interest. "These cases include illegal dumping of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) and abuse of power in the issuance of medical visas, as well as a study to identify preventative measures for deaths in custody," it added. ALSO READ: CPI task force forms focus group to boost perceptions The EAIC said the initiative also includes the enhancement of investigation standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the creation of a "traffic light" mechanism to monitor investigation progress, which has boosted the complaint resolution rate to 99%. In addition, the EAIC has conducted studies on the operational effectiveness of enforcement agencies under its supervision and has participated in field operations and consultations with stakeholders. This helps the commission understand issues at the grassroots level and formulate high-impact recommendations for improvement, the statement read. ALSO READ: Complaints against enforcement personnel easier with new online system "The EAIC is also consistent in publicly announcing the results of its investigations for cases under its purview, in line with the requirements of Section 30(5) of the Act. "This reflects the commission's commitment to transparency with the public and upholding the principles of institutional accountability," it said. The EAIC said it had been appointed as lead of the Enforcement Focus Group under the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government. ALSO READ: EAIC committed to addressing integrity issues, challenges, says chairman "This is the highest recognition of the EAIC's credibility and commitment to driving the national integrity agenda, in line with the aspiration of achieving the CPI 2033 target," it said. Meanwhile, EAIC Chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said in the same statement that the change is not merely a visual rebranding but a strategic step toward strengthening the EAIC's oversight function to be more focused and responsive. "We hope this rebranding will more clearly convey the commission's goals to move forward as a leader in reforming the integrity of enforcement institutions, with a continuous focus on improving processes, increasing transparency, and building public trust," he said. – Bernama
The Sun
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
EAIC backs 13MP focus on integrity and governance reforms
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has welcomed the government's strong focus on integrity, abuse of power, and financial leakage in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The commission highlighted its alignment with these goals as a key oversight body for enforcement agencies. EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar praised the government's commitment to transparent and accountable governance, calling it crucial for restoring public confidence in national institutions. He quoted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stating, 'Sometimes what damages the people's trust is not simply misconduct, but failure to act when injustice occurs.' Ismail stressed that fostering integrity is a shared responsibility across all sectors, including the private sector and civil society. 'A culture of integrity must be implemented at all levels to maintain public trust in institutions,' he said in a statement. The EAIC also endorsed the proposed Malaysian Ombudsman as a timely step in institutional reforms. 'This initiative will enhance checks and balances in public service delivery and address citizen complaints more effectively,' Ismail added. The 13MP's governance improvements aim to elevate Malaysia's position in global indices, targeting top-25 in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and top-12 in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Key measures include the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028 and a CPI Special Task Force to tackle corruption systematically. Fiscal reforms under the plan aim to reduce the deficit below 3% and cap national debt at 60% of GDP. The Integrity Unit's role will also expand, using behavioural insights to cultivate ethical practices among civil servants. - Bernama
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Government focuses on integrity, tackling power abuse and leakages in 13MP
PUTRAJAYA: The government is placing serious emphasis on integrity while tackling abuse of power and leakages under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a move that aligns with the role of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC). EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said the commission welcomed the government's commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring transparency in actions taken and upholding accountability principles. "As the prime minister (previously) highlighted, public trust is eroded not only by misconduct, but also by the failure to act when injustice occurs," he said in a statement today. Ismail said a culture of integrity should not only be the responsibility of public servants or enforcement agencies but must be instilled at every level of society, including the private sector, to ensure continued public confidence in national institutions. Ismail said EAIC viewed the government's initiative to establish the Malaysian Ombudsman as timely, describing it as a crucial part of institutional reform efforts. "We support this initiative as it complements the reform agenda by strengthening the check-and-balance system in public service delivery and enabling a more comprehensive, independent and effective approach in addressing public complaints," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the 13MP at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, said it would focus on ensuring transparent, agile and decisive service delivery from civil servants. "Integrity and accountability must be embedded across the board, not only among civil servants or enforcement agencies, but in all sectors, including the private sector, statutory bodies, GLCs, GLICs, and civil societies," he was reported as saying.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
EAIC proposes upgrading BSI CIQ to ease congestion
JOHOR BAHRU: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has proposed a study to improve the structural plan and layout of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) here, to address the border crossing. EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said the proposal includes a review of traffic and visitor flow around the building, which is currently operating at high capacity. 'This building has been around for a long time, and we've seen a significant increase in the number of visitors and vehicles passing through. Therefore, there's a need to thoroughly reassess the building's layout. 'This effort may involve a significant expenditure, but we will conduct a study first. If this is not initiated now, we will not see any improvements at BSI,' he said during EAIC's working visit to the BSI today. Also present were Johor Immigration Department director and Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency BSI commander Roszita Dim. One of the proposals presented is to divert heavy vehicle traffic, such as lorries, to the Sultan Abu Bakar Sub-Complex, allowing BSI to focus solely on handling visitor movements. 'That is one of the early proposals being considered. We will recommend to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) to carry out this effectiveness study,' he said. Commenting on the working visit, Ismail said it was part of EAIC's initial engagement session with AKPS at the complex. 'The main purpose of this visit is to listen to the issues occurring at BSI, including administrative matters, infrastructure, support systems, and the facilities provided to on-duty officers,' he said. He said the findings from the visit will be presented to relevant parties in an effort to seek long-term solutions to the operational challenges at one of the country's main entry points. He added that the visit reflects the commission's commitment to strengthening integrity and transparent governance in enforcement, in line with the powers under Act 700 and its role as Lead Agency of the CPI Special Task Force Focus Group on Enforcement. 'This visit also paves the way for strategic cross-agency cooperation or 'smart partnerships', especially to ensure integrated and effective operations that align with the goal of best governance,' he said.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
EAIC: Whistleblower disclosures should strengthen integrity, not be feared
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) said enforcement agencies should not regard whistleblower disclosures, including those made through unofficial channels such as Telegram, as threats or adversaries. Instead, EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said such revelations should be regarded as an opportunity for the respective agencies to strengthen their integrity and public confidence. Citing the Telegram channel 'Edisi Siasat' which exposes alleged misconduct within enforcement bodies, Ismail said the commission takes all complaints of power abuse seriously. Ismail said that the EAIC would act upon complaints, regardless of whether they were submitted via official or unofficial channels. "Although platforms like 'Edisi Siasat' on Telegram are not categorised as official complaint channels, the information shared can trigger preliminary investigations if it contains credible and reasonable elements. "In certain situations, such information can serve as a catalyst for initial investigative action. "Under the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700], the EAIC is empowered to initiate investigations on its own initiative if it is satisfied that the matter holds significant public interest or is necessary in the public interest," he told Berita Harian today. Commenting on the response of enforcement agencies towards revelations made by such Telegram channels, Ismail said that investigating such claims, whether true or false, reflects a commitment to transparency and institutional reform. "If the allegations are baseless, investigations can help clear the agency's name," he said. Ismail, however, said if misconduct is proven, appropriate action can be taken against those involved. "This approach aligns with the principles of accountability and good governance," he added.
