Monday, January 02, 2017

Cuepacs supports 'no golfing overseas' policy for public sector employees? Peaceful Assembly?

'No golfing overseas' for civil servants to prevent 'corruption' and abuse of power? Laughable really, because the 'corrupt' can meet in so many different ways. Odd, also that the suggestion is only directed to 'civil servants, especially those in top management' - and not at the Ministers, State Exco members, Menteri Besar and/or Prime Minister. [A requirement for prompt disclosure of any meeting/discussion with persons 'with vested interest' anywhere and/or anytime would be more practical and/or reasonable]

It would have been better if the government guarantees that civil servants who disclose matters/actions of their peers, their superiors and/or even the Ministers that may be possible abuse of powers or corruption or suspicious will not be discriminated against and/or jeopardised by reason of any such allegations/reports. Civil servants worry about their jobs, their promotions and worry that their Ministers or superiors may act against them - transfering them, denying them promotions, etc  ... If civil servants and others have this guarantee and 'protection', they will bravely highlight wrongdoings. Maybe, making it an offence punishable by law for civil servants that fail to disclose suspected wrongdoings of their peers, superiors and even Ministers will help matters..

Odd also for CUEPACS(being a coalition of Unions of public sector employees) to SUPPORT this restriction on public sector employees from playing golf overseas... This certainly will be a suppression of worker rights - certainly a suppression of rights outside working hours. No employer should be allowed to suppress the rights of their employees outside working hours...be it participating in a BERSIH peaceful assembly, be it participating in a political or social activity... CUEPACS could take a stand against corruption and abuse of power - but certainly not an attempt to suppress the right of public sector employees playing golf overseas?Did CUEPACs take a position about the attempts to stifle public sector employees from participating in peaceful assemblies - something that SUHAKAM also came out saying was wrong...

TRADE UNIONS may have different strategies when it comes to dealing with their employer. In the case of public sector employees, their employer is the government - be it the Federal Government, the State government or the Local Government...But, agreeing that it supports the suppression of an 'outside working hours' activity of workers (now, playing golf overseas...tomorrow...what?) is a dangerous trend...MTUC has yet to comment on this...

 

Cuepacs supports 'no golfing overseas' policy

Published     Updated
They Congress of Union of Employees in the Public And Civil Services (Cuepacs) has welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's warning against overseas golfing trips.

Its president Azih Muda said that enforcement of the rule would help to curb corruption and abuse of power.

A willingness to follow the rule would also improve the public sector's overall integrity, said Azih as quoted by Utusan Malaysia yesterday.

"We should view the warning from MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad on tendency by civil servants to play golf overseas in a positive light.

"The warning was made sincerely to correct the existing system (and making it) more transparent and prevent people from talking behind our backs," Azih was quoted as saying.

Azih added that civil servants should realise that authorities including the MACC would have information on their activities.

Dzulkifli, an interview published by Utusan Malaysia yesterday, said civil servants, especially those in top management, should stop playing golf overseas.

"They are not professionals golfers and there is no need for them to go overseas simply to play golf," he said, adding that the MACC had information that some of these civil servants would encounter those with vested interests on the golf course.

While the individuals may be paying for their own travel expenses, he said the interested parties would be footing other bills, including shopping.

The MACC has carried out a number of stings against high ranking civil servants since Dzulkifli took over in July.

This includes its biggest bust in history, where RM53 million in cash was seized from top officers from the Sabah Water Department who were accused of graft.

 

Stop playing golf overseas, MACC chief tells civil servants

Published     Updated
Civil servants, especially those in top management, should stop playing golf overseas, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Dzulkifli Ahmad.

"I want to advise civil servants to stop such activities and that there is no need to go overseas to play golf, especially in Indonesia and Thailand.

"They are not professionals golfers and there is no need for them to go overseas simply to play golf," he said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia published today.

He added that there were plenty of golf courses in Malaysia where the civil servants could play.

Dzulkifli said the MACC had information that some of these civil servants would encounter those with vested interests on the golf course.

While the individuals may be paying for their own travel expenses, he said the interested parties would be footing other bills, including shopping.

"So again, I repeat, stop all these activities immediately before it is too late," he said.

Dzulkifli said this when asked for his advice to civil servants, the public, and those involved in corruption.

He said corruption in the civil service was a betrayal to the country and its people, and could have adverse effects on the public's welfare.

MACC not afraid of politicians

Meanwhile, the graft busting chief said the MACC is not afraid to investigate politicians.

Dzulkifli said it was only certain parties who had an agenda cast such negative aspersions on the MACC

"The MACC has never been afraid of carrying out its duties in accordance with the law.

"If an investigation finds that any individual was involved in corruption and there is enough evidence, the MACC will take appropriate action regardless of their job, political ideology or position," he said.
 
He also said that there was no such thing as "small fish" or "sharks" in the battle against corruption.
"As such I will ensure that MACC's machinery is fully used against those involved with corruption and abuse of power regardless of the person or amount involved."

The MACC has carried out a number of stings against high ranking civil servants since Dzulkifli took over in July.

This includes its biggest bust in history, where RM53 million in cash was seized from top officers from the Sabah Water Department who were accused of graft.

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