09-05-2025
HODs who fail to act on misconduct will be hauled up too, says Chief Secretary to Govt
KOTA KINABALU: Department heads who fail to act on misconduct, whether committed by themselves or their subordinates, will be held accountable, warns Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
He said efforts are ongoing to strengthen integrity and accountability within the civil service, including stricter enforcement against those who conceal wrongdoing.
'Action will be taken against any department head who does not act on misconduct or attempts to cover it up.
"They will be demerited by 15% and subjected to disciplinary measures,' he said after the closing ceremony of the Jelajah Taat Setia programme here on Friday (May 9).
He said disciplinary actions, under current regulations, may include salary increment freezes, promotion delays, or even termination, depending on the severity of the offence.
'These measures are in line with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. We follow due process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Shamsul Azri noted that serious breaches among civil servants remain relatively low, less than 10% of the total workforce.
'Common offences include being absent from work without reason, travelling abroad without permission, or taking medical leave without proper certification,' he said.
He stressed that disciplinary proceedings are handled through a system with checks and balances involving an investigation committee, a disciplinary board and an appeals process.
'This ensures transparency and upholds justice throughout,' he said.
The event, which was launched by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, was attended by some 2,000 federal and state civil servants.
It included briefings on the values of Malaysia Madani and the importance of loyalty in public service.
Shamsul Azri also announced that the Malaysian Institute of Integrity is developing two major mechanisms to enhance governance and transparency, the Integrity Index and the System for Public Integrity Evaluation (SPINE).
Both are expected to be completed by October.
As chair of the Special Task Force on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Shamsul Azri said it is focused on elevating Malaysia's global standing by fostering integrity within the civil service.
He added that ongoing reforms aim to build trust and credibility at every level of government.
