Rumaizi addressing Ipoh City Council staff at the Anti-bribery Management System Development workshop.
For the first time, Ipoh City Council held an anti-bribery workshop in an effort to strengthen integrity values.
The workshop titled “Anti-bribery Management System Development” was launched by mayor Datuk Rumaizi Bahrain.
In his speech, Rumaizi said the workshop, besides strengthening the values of integrity, also expressed the city council’s stance on fighting corruption and any hidden risks or costs related to corrupt activities.
Rumaizi believed that city council staff were also concerned about issues related to corruption.
“Various activities have been planned and some implemented by the joint council management, including briefings and integrity talks related to the effects of corruption, publication of printed material and so forth.
“Among the efforts taken and achievements marked to curb corruption is the launch of the Anti-Corruption Plan (2021-2025), receiving bronze at the Anti-Corruption, Governance and Integrity Awards in January this year, the declaration of property and implementation of integrity-certified officers programme,” he said.
Rumaizi added that corruption did not only come in the form of money, but also gifts and sponsorships which encouraged an individual to perform acts unrelated to official duties.
He said in addition to this, it must be understood that abuse of power occurred when an individual used his or her position to make decisions where the person, family members, relatives or associates had an interest.
“Abuse of power is also an act of corruption that needs to be rejected and condemned, and the city council will not protect anyone involved in this.
“The use of public money for corrupt practices must also be stopped immediately, and legal action will be taken against those at fault.
“The city council will not compromise with perpetrators and will give its full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), so that those found guilty are punished accordingly,” he added.
Rumaizi said regardless of religion, corrupt activities were despicable and a person involved in giving and receiving bribes lacked integrity.
He said individuals who were punished for corruption were not only hated but their families would also be insulted.
“It is hoped that city council staff will stay away from corrupt behaviour, because lately we have been reading in the media on MACC arrests and prosecutions involving civil servants related to corruption, as well as those in private companies.
“Acts of corruption will cause the image, perception and trust of society to be affected.”
