Integriti dalam Mengurus Organisasi - Perspektif Islam

ISLAM menuntut umatnya berlaku adil dalam segala hal. Takrifan keadilan dalam Islam merangkumi keseimbangan, kesaksamaan dan pemberian hak kepada mereka yang berhak dan meletakkan sesuatu pada tempatnya yang betul.
Secara keseluruhan, keadilan bermakna tidak berlaku penindasan, tidak ada berkepentingan, tidak menzalimi dan tidak memilih kasih dalam memberi layanan dan hak kepada orang lain.
Justeru, tidak hairan jika Islam menekankan keadilan dalam segala urusannya, apatah lagi dengan melaksanakan keadilan mencegah penindasan, penyelewengan, penyalahgunaan kuasa dan perkara bertentangan nilai murni.
Hal berkaitan keadilan turut dituntut dalam pengurusan organisasi. Tuntutan ini memerlukan kepemimpinan yang bertanggungjawab serta mempunyai kekuatan moral serta kejujuran yang tinggi.
Keadilan dalam pengurusan organisasi bermula daripada proses pelantikan jawatan. Majikan perlu melantik calon berkelayakan dan berkebolehan.
Contohnya, sesi temuduga ialah alternatif yang diamalkan sehingga hari ini. Cara itu terbukti berkesan dan adil bagi mengelak salah pilih pekerja.
Sejarah tamadun Islam menunjukkan contoh keadilan dilakukan Rasulullah SAW antaranya ketika pelantikan Mu'adh Jabal sebagai Gabenor Syam. Baginda yang melakukan temuduga itu.
Baginda SAW mengemukakan soalan sejauh mana kelayakan Mu'adh untuk menjawat jawatan berkenaan dan sama ada beliau mampu menangani permasalahan yang mungkin timbul kelak.
Sementara Abu Zar pula meriwayatkan beliau semalaman memujuk Rasulullah SAW supaya melantiknya sebagai pemimpin. Beliau berkata: "Ya Rasulullah, lantiklah aku. Rasulullah SAW menjawab: Sesungguhnya ia amanah yang menjadi celaan dan penyesalan pada hari kiamat nanti."
Apa yang dapat kita perhatikan, pelantikan dan pemilihan pekerja secara adil bukan sekadar mengisi kekosongan sebaliknya, memilih orang yang layak memegang tugas diamanahkan.

Hal ini menggambarkan kepada kita, pelantikan dan pemilihan calon yang tepat menyebabkan organisasi berjalan lancar dan berkesan. Bayaran gaji dan imbuhan yang setimpal juga perlu dibuat secara adil dan setimpal dengan kelayakan, taraf hidup serta keadaan setempat.
Bagi mengelak penipuan dan diskriminasi dalam organisasi, Islam menghendaki diwujudkan kontrak yang adil antara pekerja dan majikan. Kontrak keadilan penting bagi mengelak sesuatu tidak diingini berlaku antara majikan dan pekerja.
Di samping itu, keadilan dalam kebajikan pekerja perlu diberikan perhatian sewajarnya. Sebagai majikan, mereka perlu adil dalam kebajikan terutama dari segi, kesihatan dan keselamatan. Pengabaian majikan terhadap kebajikan pekerja menyebabkan produktiviti pekerja menurun. Secara tidak langsung, menjejaskan matlamat organisasi.
Dari segi pengembangan kerjaya, majikan perlu bertindak adil dengan memberi ruang dan peluang kepada pekerja untuk kenaikan pangkat, latihan meningkatkan kemahiran dan insentif serta pengiktirafan kepada yang layak atau yang lama berkhidmat.
Begitu juga bebanan tugas dan tanggungjawab yang diberikan perlu adil serta saksama. Islam membenci penganiayaan dalam apa juga bentuk termasuk pembahagian tugas.
Contohnya, pembahagian beban tugas antara pegawai atasan dan bawahan perlu berpadanan dengan imbuhan diberikan.
Prinsip kesaksamaan dinyatakan dengan jelas dalam firman Allah bermaksud: "Allah tidak membebani seseorang melainkan sesuai dengan kesanggupannya. Baginya mendapat pahala (daripada kebajikan) yang diusahakannya dan ia mendapat seksa (daripada kejahatan) yang dikerjakannya." (Surah al-Baqarah, ayat 286)
Majikan perlu memastikan hanya pekerja yang benar-benar melakukan kesalahan dan jenayah diberhentikan atau dikenakan tindakan disiplin. Sebarang hukuman dikenakan tanpa bukti yang sahih menggambarkan ketidakadilan berlaku ke atas pekerja itu.
Sehingga kini, sejauh manakah keadilan dilaksanakan dalam organisasi anda?
Yang pasti, soal keadilan sangat diperlu dalam organisasi bukan saja demi kepentingan organisasi malah untuk kepentingan masyarakat dan negara. Tanpa keadilan wujud masalah seperti penindasan, penyelewengan dan penyalahgunaan kuasa dalam organisasi.

Penulis ialah pegawai penyelidik Pusat Ekonomi dan Kajian Sosial Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia
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@Petikan dari :Biro Laman Web
bp.Pengerusi PNI
JPS Malaysia

On Integrity..what say DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan

July 21, 2009 15:46 PM

Courts Cannot Find Fault With Transparent, Open Govts, Says Perak Sultan

IPOH, July 21 (Bernama) -- So long as any government or authority administers in accordance with the law in a transparent and open manner, no court can find fault with that government or authority, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, said on Tuesday. However, he said, this would not be the case if there were judges who had no integrity or who chose to be political or sympathised with any group or political thought. The major and heaviest test for a judge was remaining impartial, especially in terms of emotion and inclination, he said when opening a special seminar on the federal constitution organised by the Perak State Secretariat, here. As such, he added, it was necessary to safeguard the role of the judiciary as a professional and independent body of integrity.

"Judges held great responsibility in upholding the rule of law and integrity of the courts and their failure to do so will result in an imbalance. The loyalty of judges is to justice in accordance with the law. In fulfilling this responsibility, judges are exposed to public evaluation because there is in place a higher mechanism in the courts, with a panel of more judges, to review judgements," he said.

"The perpetuation of the institution of monarchy was not only to the extent of fulfilling historical values and sentimental values of the people. The ruler had a role to ensure the effectiveness of the check-and-balance mechanism which could help strengthen the institution of democracy," he said.

"As the head of state, the ruler serves as the pillar of stability, source of justice, core of solidarity and umbrella of unity. Implicitly, the perpetuation of the institution of monarchy is the continued retention of the identity of a government buttressed by the Malays. The role, duties and responsibilities of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as well as those of the Malay Rulers are based on the concept of the constitutional monarchy," he said.

This meant that the rulers had sovereign power and responsibility in accordance with the law and that a ruler was a ruler, whether it was in absolute or constitutional terms, he said. Sultan Azlan Shah said the difference between them was that one had unlimited power while the other's power was in accordance with the constitution, but it was a mistake to assume that the power of a ruler was similar to that of a president who was bound by the constitution.

"The role of a ruler far exceeded that expressed in the constitution," he said.

The sultan said the implied spirit behind the formulation of the federal constitution was to develop a stable, peaceful, united and prosperous independent nation, which would be achieved through the solidarity and unity of a people of various religions, ethnic groups and cultures, and speaking different languages.

"The constitution has been so formulated so as to ensure that justice prevails and that it equally protects the strong and the weak, the majority and the minority, the administrators and the administered, the Rulers and the people," he said.
The sultan said there was consensus that every Malaysian citizen was guaranteed protection in a fair and just manner, while acknowledging the fact that the indigenous people lagged far behind in terms of socio-economic progress, wealth, ownership of property and skills. As such, the Malays and other bumiputeras were given an assurance through special allocations which gave them privileges, he said.
"At the same time, non-Malays who had immigrated to this country, considering it as their home and pledging their loyalty to the king and country, have been accepted as Malaysian citizens," he added.

Sultan Azlan Shah said the federal constitution was drawn up in the spirit of negotiation, understanding, the desire to unite the people, and the objective of shaping an independent and a sovereign nation-state. For the sake of peace and prosperity, a culture of living based on the spirit of the constitution should be inculcated in the people - a spirit which accorded respect to the law and respected law-enforcement institutions, he said.

"If this basic principle is not adhered to any longer and is to be set aside due to attempts to assimilate foreign cultural influences, it is feared that the country will degenerate into anarchy. In the end, the history of the nation, peace and prosperity will remain just that - history," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Integrity : What option for Malaysia? - Tunku Abdul Aziz

JULY 5 - The upsurge of interest in integrity and ethics is not without a good reason. People all over the world have realized that human progress is unlikely to be sustainable without all of us adopting and embracing universal human values — values that transcend cultural, religious and political barriers.

In Malaysia we have the best legal framework, rules, regulations and procedures, but corrupt practices continue unchecked because those entrusted to serve the community are themselves morally and ethically deficient and devoid of ethical values and high standards of personal and public behaviour.

If we lose our competitive position because we are corrupt and lack integrity, we are putting our future as a nation at risk. Corruption kills competition, breeds inefficiency, distorts our decision making processes and promotes social and political instability in the long run. I believe that in societies where integrity is firmly entrenched, corruption can be kept firmly under control. We have to refocus our vision and reshape our views and ideas on what can be done to fight unethical public behaviour, not only on our own turf, but equally important, on the international front because cross-border corruption represents a major source of social, economic and political instability and distortion, if not dealt with decisively.

In the globalised world in which we operate with its own set of demanding rules of engagement, with emphasis on transparency and accountability, we have to learn quickly to be adaptable or we will be marginalised. However described, corruption exacts a heavy toll on a nation's social, political, and economic development. Anyone trying to persuade you that corruption is a victimless crime is just being cynical. There are victims out there all right, if only we care to open our eyes.

As always, they represent the underclass, and are among the poorest, and the least informed and educated members of our society. They are men and women who because of their economic status do not even know their rights as citizens. The recent Malaysian Indian demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur could well have been a manifestation of a sense of being excluded from mainstream economic and social development. There are large numbers of people in Peninsular, Sarawak and Sabah who are in the same boat, and the government must ensure that its service delivery meets their expectations.

I very much hope that we are not fighting corruption for its own sake, or just to feel good for that would be tantamount to abandoning a large part of mankind to perpetual misery and degradation in the face of the relentless onslaught of human greed. We fight corruption not only to be globally competitive, but more to the point, to bring about social justice and to make a difference to the lives of the poor, the real victims of corruption.

The long term, sustainable prosperity of any country depends entirely on good governance, a comprehensive, overarching system for managing the often complex social, economic and political needs of a modern state, underpinned by strong ethical principles.

The current financial crisis has many lessons for us. One is that there is really no substitute for international standards of business conduct; standards that are firmly grounded in transparency, accountability and integrity. Bad governance, whether private sector or government, contributes directly to inefficiency and corruption. Every financial crisis that has hit our nation has had elements of inefficiency, greed and corruption in the final equation. An absence of integrity is not good for business, especially international business.

Corruption in Malaysia is alive and well as revealed in survey after survey. The latest to confirm this is a report released by the World Bank. The economic strength and prosperity of our nation must begin with confronting and resolving our internal structural weaknesses, of which corruption is a serious impediment to global competitiveness. We have to keep ourselves abreast of best international practices if there is to be a return of public confidence in the way we conduct our business affairs. We have to raise the ethical bar by putting ethics in the driving seat. The international punishment for breaches of business ethics meted out to a country perceived to be corrupt such as ours can be swift and damaging in real terms.

Ethical behaviour is no longer the luxury of the virtuous; it has become a business necessity. Malaysia's capacity to prosper must be predicated on the highest international ethical standards. The way forward for Malaysia is to embrace integrity and put it to good use in our fight for a place at the global top table of clean nations. Is the government up to the task? — mysinchew

Sidek pledges re-engineering to cut graft, red tape

The Malaysian Insider; Sunday July 19 2009
By Leslie Lau

Consultant Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 – Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan says the answer to corruption and inefficiency in the civil service is to cut red tape and re-engineer the way contracts are awarded and payment for work is approved. He said the government would cut down the steps taken to award contracts or make payment, but the post-audit process would have to be tightened to catch corrupt and lazy officials.

“If you have a roadblock everyone has to slow down but if there are no roadblocks people can drive faster. Of course if I were lazy then I don’t have to work. So you have to catch it at the post-audit stage,” he told The Malaysian Insider in a recent interview at his office in Putrajaya.

Mohd Sidek, who has been chief secretary since 2006, was responding to questions about civil service graft and constant delays in the awarding of contracts and payments. Such delays have hampered government efforts to attract businesses and investments, as there have been cases where it could take up to a year from the time a letter of intent is signed until a contract is awarded. Responding to this, Mohd Sidek said the current practice of imposing a series of checks contributes to delays and is based on the notion that government officers cannot be trusted.

“But if you empower one person to check through the documents then it will be much faster. “And at the post-audit stage, if we find that person has been naughty then we will come down with 30,000 tonnes of bricks,” he said.

The chief secretary pointed out that when he took up his appointment in 2006, he received many complaints that payment for contracts was often not on time, even though the rule then was that contractors were to have been paid within 30 days of an invoice being received. “So I told my officers to shorten the period even further, to 14 days,” he said, pointing out that he did not increase his staff strength but instead made his officers work extra hours to clear the backlog.

Citing last month’s statistics, Mohd Sidek said that of the RM100 million in contracts handled by the prime minister’s department, 97% were paid out within seven days. But he acknowledged that it would take time to push through this re-engineering process to all ministries and government departments.

For now, the chief secretary’s office directly monitors the performance of all government departments and ministries. If any ministry is found to have failed to make the 14-day deadline, a directive is issued for the matter to be resolved within 24 hours. Mohd Sidek said that a dipstick survey conducted last year showed that the worst performing government departments were the various land offices and local councils.

He also refuted the perception that the civil service, at 1.2 million strong, was bloated and needed to be trimmed. The chief secretary pointed out that there were nearly 500,000 government school teachers, university lecturers and other staff involved in education. The health services has more than 200,000 civil servants. The police and armed forces also had approximately 100,000 personnel in each service.

“But the public is actually clamouring for smaller classrooms so that means we need to hire more teachers. There is also a shortage of doctors,” he said. Mohd Sidek said his focus now was not on the size of the civil service but to build a “culture of competence and perfection” among government servants.

CUEPACS kesal persaraan awal Pengarah Penguat Kuasa Imigresen

KUALA LUMPUR 11 Dis. — Kongres Kesatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Dalam Perkhidmatan Awam (Cuepacs) hari ini melahirkan rasa kesal terhadap persaraan awal Pengarah Penguat Kuasa Jabatan Imigresen, Datuk Ishak Mohamed.

Ishak, yang berusia 55 tahun pada 4 Januari ini telah memilih persaraan awal “atas dasar prinsip” dan dikatakan ditukar ke Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna pada 1 Disember lepas.

Presiden Cuepacs, Omar Osman memberitahu Bernama bahawa kesatuan itu akan membangkitkan perkara itu dengan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) esok.

Katanya adalah menjadi malang bahawa pegawai berdedikasi dan cekap bersara awal kerana Ishak “menjalankan tugas dengan baik” dalam membendung kemasukan pendatang asing tanpa izin ke negara ini.

Sejak memegang jawatan itu sejak empat tahun lepas, Ishak bertanggungjawab memperkenalkan sistem penggunaan biometrik bagi mengesan kesahihan kad pengenalan diri, pasport dan dokumen perjalanan pendatang asing di negara ini. - Bernama

I respect you, my brother !!!

Pak Sako bersara awal?

Oleh HAMDEN RAMLI

Datuk Ishak Mohamed

PUTRAJAYA 10 Dis. - Lazimnya tingkat empat bangunan Imigresen di Presint Dua di sini yang menempatkan Bahagian Penguatkuasanya tidak lekang daripada dikunjungi orang ramai, termasuk para wartawan.

Jika orang ramai berurusan kerana pasport, para wartawan pula hadir kerana menanti berita-berita daripada Pengarahnya, Datuk Ishak Mohamed yang tidak jemu untuk melayan kerenah wartawan dalam mendapatkan berita.Kebiasaannya hampir setiap minggu Ishak yang lebih mesra dipanggil Pak Sako kerana namanya sama seperti pejuang kemerdekaan dan bekas wartawan Utusan Melayu, Ishak Haji Muhammad, mengadakan sidang akhbar memaklumkan kejayaan anak-anak buahnya membanteras penyalahgunaan pasport dan pas-pas kerja oleh warga asing.

Bagaimanapun sejak dua minggu lalu, tingkat empat Jabatan Imigresen itu kelihatan 'sunyi' kepada wartawan, sekali gus menimbulkan pelbagai persoalan termasuk mengatakan Pak Sako sakit.''Tidak, dia baik, sihat tetapi sedang bersiap untuk pergi," kata seorang kenalan rapat beliau ringkas kepada Utusan Malaysia, tanpa mahu menjelaskan maksud 'pergi' itu.

Bagaimanapun selepas diselidiki, Utusan Malaysia difahamkan Pak Sako akan meninggalkan kerjaya yang telah diceburinya lebih 25 tahun lalu kerana memilih untuk bersara awal. Tindakan Pak Sako memilih untuk bersara awal jelas menimbulkan persoalan besar kerana berdasarkan keadaan semasa, tidak ada sebab untuk beliau memilih bersara awal.

Melihat kepada semangat yang ditunjukkan dalam mengemudikan bahagian penguat kuasa itu tidak ada tanda-tanda menunjukkan beliau sudah mahu mengangkat tangan ataupun semangatnya telah pun surut.Dan jika melihat kepada prestasinya, tidak keterlaluan dikatakan bekas Pengarah Imigresen Perak itu telah menjalankan tugas dengan baik sejak menjawat jawatan itu empat tahun lalu. Tidak kira siang dan malam, beliau akan turun padang bersama anak-anak buahnya menyerbu lokasi-lokasi tertentu bagi mengurangkan masalah pendatang tanpa izin di negara ini.

Malah ketika jabatan itu 'panas' kerana diserbu Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) tidak berapa lama dahulu, nama Pak Sako juga disebut-sebut bakal diserkup BPR kerana kedudukan jawatan beliau yang mudah terdedah kepada amalan yang menyalahi undang-undang itu. Namun ia hanya spekulasi semata-mata dan Pak Sako terus mengemudi bahagian penguat kuasa sehingga hari ini. Sehingga kini usaha untuk mendapatkan reaksi Pak Sako mengenai keputusannya bersara awal masih menemui jalan buntu.''Keputusan itu dibuat kerana beliau sayang kepada jabatan ini. Beliau rela bersara awal daripada ditukarkan ke jawatan lain di kementerian lain yang jelas berbeza dengan kerja beliau selama ini," kata seorang lagi kenalan rapat Pak Sako kepada Utusan Malaysia.Menurutnya, ketika ini di tingkat empat sibuk mengadakan persiapan majlis perpisahan Pak Sako pada Jumaat ini, meskipun Pak Sako telah meminta supaya tidak diadakan majlis seumpama itu.

Jangan sebab Nyamuk Kelambu dibakar

Nyamuk sejenis makluk perosak yang tidak disukai manusia sering membawa penyakit penyakit vektor yang payah diubati dan kadangkala membawa padah hingga maut dibuatnya. Penyakit penyakit yang sering disebut dan sinonim dengan nyamuk ini adalah malaria, elephantiasis, denggi dan chikungunye. Seringkali, perhatian utama terpaksa diberikan agar aku mesti menjauhi dari ancaman nyamuk ini. Sikit saja gigitannya akan membuatkan keresahan, rasa marah yang membara dan tindakan membunuhnya mesti dilakukan segera kalau tidak dia akan mengancam lagi dan akhirnya membuat hidup aku langsung tidak bermaana. Nyamuk ini jelas sejenis serangga yang licik dan menampakkan tabiat nya sebagai binatang yang tidak disukai manusia. Tapi ianya kejadian makluk ciptaan tuhan yang hidup bebas mengikut azali ianya dijadikan. Walaupun aku tak suka namun hakikatnya aku tiada pilihan dan tempuh saja lah kerana sebagai manusia biasa, aku lemah tak berkuasa melawan kehendak illahi. Walaupun tuhan maha kaya, apa saja kehendak aku untuk melenyapkan serangga ini, walaupun dengan doa tidak mungkin ianya lenyap dimuka bumi kepunyaan tuhan ini.

Bertambah malang adanya manusia yang tabiatnya macam NYAMUK, tanpa ia sedari, banyak menggigit mangsanya dan macam nyamuk betul adalah amat licik, menghisap darah kawan taulan dan bertindak tanpa dia sedari. Kalau ianya memimpin sesuatu organisasi maka awaslah  ...tak tau apalah nak diceritakan disini. Aku terkena lagi gigitan NYAMUK ini didalam bilek mesyuarat semasa QTime...dibelakang aku tanpa kerelaan, tanpa merujuk keputusan minggu lepas, tanpa persetujuan diperolehi NYAMUK ini mengenakan aku lagi, tak serik serik aku juga nak digigitnya, tak mau dia gigit diri dia sendiri dengan alasan kurang bijak, siapa tak marah dan melenting dek bisa digigitnya...kalau sekali tak apa dah 3 kali, Gigitan Pertama, Gigitan kedua dan Gigitan Ketiga yang aku tak perlu cerita dan menjadikan Sejarah hidup aku, ingatan sakit yang tidak mudah aku lupai hingga akhir hayat aku, Nyamuk ini cari peluang menggigit kalau tidak ia  meracau dan mencoccok cocok ketelingga bos atau orang atasan dengan "Ngennng.. Ngenggg.. Ngeengg' sehingga bos aku jadi pendendam keatas aku, sampai ketahap bos aku menghalau aku keluar dari bilek pejabat... tau je lah hari itu hari dimana lapuran penilaian prestasi kena disiapkan oleh bos untuk aku... Diantara perkara perkara yang tidak akan aku lupa keakhir hayat ku dan akan disebut oleh anak cuccu ku ...ini lah bahawa bisanya gigitan NYAMUK sehingga peluang naik pangkat pun hilang kerana prestasi kurang baik seumur hidup macam kena lumpuh gigitan nyamuk yang berbisa. 

Bos yang menilai aku tu pun seorang yang rapat, amat aku kenal semasa di UiTM dan AIT sehinggalah beliau pi Birmingham dan aku pernah singgah disana berhari raya dirumahnya. Tak mungkin atas dasar itu beliau menghukum aku begitu kejam kalau tidak disebabkan NYAMUK tadi...aku tetap sanjung dia dan mendoakan kejayaaan beliau walaupun pena dia merekodkan prestasi buruk kepada aku.

Salah seorang rakan sekelas aku dulu telah cuba meredakan keadaan idalam sessi petang jumaat 14 november; QTime semalam dan menasihati dengan ungkapan dan amaran tajam kepada aku kerana bersikap marah dan tidak menghormati 'seniors as leaders'. Aku akur aku tidak seperti dia dah naik pangkat, aku syukur kerana beliau bernasib baik dan aku perlu 'respect' dia pasal dulu pun dia juga menghantar mempelai pengantin semasa aku kahwin dulu. Aku rasa beliau mahu di hormati sebagai orang atasan sekarang sewajarnya dengan taraf yang dinikmati beliau ...tapi ...............

 "As leaders... Respect is earned and not demanded".

Beginilah bercelarunya keadaan apabila adanya NYAMUK membiak didalam organisasi dan menganggu ketenteraman orang yang keciwa seperti aku ini.

Disebabkan ini aku marah dan marah yang sepatutnya, kerana....

" The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn't angry enough. "

Bede Jarrett

"It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. "
Elizabeth Kenny

Ignore integrity at your peril

Raja Dr Nazrin Shah

HOW often do you hear a top leader say "integrity applies to me, too"?

Until Thursday night, I'd never heard it said in this country.

The executive dinner talk to observe National Integrity Day was a precursor to the National Integrity Convention held in Kuching, Sarawak. The hotel ballroom was filled with some 350 leaders, politicians and civil servants.

"Seminar integriti, seminar integriti, seminar integriti!" huffed one civil servant. He'd been to so many, and was tired of hearing of integrity this and integrity that but not seeing it practised by the top leadership.

Not that integrity is a fashion or trend that needs to be set by the people at the top, but it would be some consolation to the masses to see their leaders living lives of integrity. If for nothing else, then at least to know that while the people themselves are leading honest, hardworking lives, the nation's treasure chest is not being emptied by those entrusted to guard it.

When Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah stood to give his speech on integrity, it was to a respectfully quiet audience who were looking forward to hearing wise words spoken.

Such is Raja Nazrin's reputation.

On paper, his speech was 30 paragraphs long, taking up five printed pages in size 10 font. But when spoken, it was enunciated so well, so thoughtfully and so sincerely that one hardly felt the time pass. 

The full text can only really be appreciated in its original Malay, which was peppered with different words describing greatness of royalty and rule -- and all these responsibilities inextricably bound to integrity.

"Integrity is not a new theory, concept, creation or discovery. It is a basic principle which cannot be ignored; it is essential: a component that must be had, a character that must be lived to a convincing level; it is the prerequisite for determining an administration that is bersih, cekap, amanah (clean, efficient and trustworthy)....

"The fall of an empire, a monarchy, a nation and leadership is often caused by practices which ignore integrity....

"In the records of the history of the Malay Sultanate, integrity is the foundation that determines the sovereignty of a ruler, the majesty and nobleness of the monarchy, and the supremacy and greatness of a government."

Raja Nazrin then referred to 14th century texts of Malaccan laws and the Tuhfat al-Nafis, which prescribes that the main function of one who claims to be a ruler or raja is to uphold God's laws on earth. If the raja ruled according to his whims and ignored God's edicts, crisis would befall the nation.

He further referred to Hikayat Raja Pasai and notes by Tun Seri Lanang on the ruling administration of the Malay sultanate of Malacca, observing that the fall of rulers and governments past were because integrity was set aside to serve the raja's lust for power and property.

In giving the examples of the unethical practice of the Raja Melaka who kidnapped Tun Teja, who was betrothed to someone else, and the occasion where the Raja Melaka mistreated the bendahara's entire family only because he wanted Tun Fatimah, who was married to Tun Ali, Raja Nazrin, to his credit, did not look to history for texts that would give greater freedoms to royals and justify unjust acts. Rather, he chose those that highlighted what is unacceptable of rulers.

For instance, history has shown how rulers were brought down because of their excessive ways, like Sultan Seri Alam, who was removed from his throne because of his extravagant spending.

"In upholding integrity, there is a two-way line of communication between raja and subjects in the spirit of the contract between Demang Lebar Daun and Seri Teri Buana, which outlined the 'magna carta' of the royal-ruled Malays and is manifest in the phrase raja adil-raja disembah (a just ruler is a respected ruler).

"The raja is obliged to maintain high integrity to ensure the people's loyalty to him. Thus, rulers need to realise that with their position comes power, and with this power comes responsibility; therefore, each one who has power is actually undergoing a test of his values, trustworthiness, honesty, sincerity, justness and impartiality."

Stressing that the monarchy was not merely symbolic or useful for just opening events and attending parties, Raja Nazrin said "a raja acts on the advice of the government that is chosen by the people".

"However, if this advice runs contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, the law and justice, then a ruler must not follow this advice. He must not side on injustice or condone any action that does not reflect truth."

But, it was not just rulers or leaders that needed to have integrity. It was important for every citizen to have high integrity. A leader or citizen who had no integrity was the enemy within the nation.

"Integrity would cease to exist not only through the wrongful actions of the ruler or top leadership, but also when those responsible for checking-and-balancing the leaders do not possess the strength to correct wrongs."

Were Raja Nazrin's words that night mere rhetoric? 

When the regent was scheduled to arrive at 8.15pm, he came. At 9.45pm when he was scheduled to give his speech, he gave it. At 10.30pm when the function was scheduled to end, the prince promptly shook hands with his hosts and left. Bedtime was a reasonable hour for all who attended.

The text of his speeches contain footnotes for his many references. This is not just the act of a scholar but also the act of an honest person. And remember, too, that this is the prince who paid for his wedding, even though, as the Raja Muda of Perak, he was entitled to use public funds. As a person of means, it is unconscionable to dip into the public purse, especially where you are the primary beneficiary. Also, in Islam, the man is the provider of the family. Therefore, if a man cannot pay for his wedding without going into debt in the process, then he is not ready for the responsibilities of setting up a family.

That Raja Nazrin has set these positive examples for everyone to look up to and follow lends greater meaning to his speech on integrity. Political leaders would do well to take his lead. It is ironic that, in this democratic nation, a handful of young royals like Raja Nazrin, who have not been elected to their positions, are fulfilling their responsibility to the nation and its people, vote or no vote. But, that is integrity.

Aniza Damis, NST Online 9 November 2008

Anti-graft commission to start as early as January 2009

KUCHING: The formation of the Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption (MCAC) may be sooner than expected.

Anti-Corruption Agency director general Datuk Seri Hamdan Said said the commission might begin its work as early as January. "The cabinet has given the nod and the bill will be tabled in Parliament next month.  "We expect everything to be done in the next one or two months, or even sooner," said Hamdan after the Program Gerak Mesra BPR Media event on Friday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in his keynote address at the National Integrity Convention 2008 here on Friday, had said the MCAC law would replace the Anti-Corruption Act 1997. Abdullah had also said the parliamentary session would be extended to Dec 18 to debate the bill, which included provisions for the setting up of an Anti-Corruption Advisory Board and a Special Committee on Corruption. Hamdan said the advisory board and special committee would consist of non-governmental organisations, parliamentarians and ACA officers.

"Their role is to monitor investigation procedures to make them more transparent."  The agency is also expected to recruit more than 1,000 officers to facilitate reinforcement. Hamdan said the agency's five-year plan included employing some 5,000 officers from various backgrounds, such as engineers, auditors and accountants, and other law enforcement officers. "With the professionals on board, incentives and benefits will be drawn up to commensurate with their expertise."  In Kuala Kangsar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the MCAC Bill 2008 would be tabled for the first reading in Parliament by Dec 11. He said a draft of the bill was being printed to be distributed to members of parliament. On the setting up of the advisory board and special committee, he said seven to nine members would be appointed to the two panels, with prominent members of the community sitting on the first panel, and MPs and senators making up the second. Both panels, he said, would be chaired by the commission's chairman. "This is a check-and-balance mechanism to eradicate corruption in the country," said Nazri, who is also Padang Rengas MP, after opening a dialogue on the works of Tan Sri P. Ramlee at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Temenggong Kati yesterday. "The important thing is for the MCAC to improve the service rendered by the Anti-Corruption Agency."  The advisory board will advise the commission on matters concerning corruption in the country, while the special committee will study the commission's annual reports. The commission will have the liberty to determine matters such as salaries and staffing.

by Dennis Wong; NST Online 9 November 2008

'Rulers may disagree with govt leaders'

KUCHING: The Rulers shall not agree with advice given by government leaders which goes against the spirit of the constitution, rule of law and universal principles of justice, the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah said Thursday night.
“Generally, the Rulers act based on the advice by government leaders elected by the people. Nevertheless, the Rulers cannot accede to acts which do not symbolise justice or sanction moves which do not mirror truth. “The Rulers’ views, observation and counsel in the administrative affairs of the country touching on the question of integrity which encompasses justice, law, judiciary, misappropriation, power abuse, corruption and wealth distribution, are with the desire to strengthing the Government so that it is stable and receives people’s trust,” he said at a dinner in conjunction with the National Integrity Day here.
To ensure the Rulers’ integrity is not questioned and the throne remains respected, Raja Nazrin said, the Rulers shall always be intelligent and wise, master knowledge, understand the surroundings and changes, and possess a group of advisers comprising experts and people knowledgeable in the relevant fields. “This will enable the Rulers to fulfil their roles with integrity and make the smart, accurate, just and fair decisions,” he said.
Raja Nazrin said the Rulers are part of national institutions whose role is to strengthen the democratic system by carrying out the check and balance responsibility and the function as an independent tribunal for the legislative, executive and judiciary branches.
As a source of reference should a crisis occur, he said, the Rulers function as the balancing mechanism which safeguards national stability, protects people’s wellbeing, ensures justice, enhances the Government’s integrity and strengthens the democratic practice in the country.
“The Rulers have a role as the pillar of stability - source of justice, thrust of unity - hence enhancing the level of people’s confidence in the systems of governance and society based on democratic practices, rooted on the doctrine of the separation of powers. “The Rulers have constitutional responsibilities and the responsibilities need to be carried out intelligently so that it can help build a high-integrity country,” he said. Raja Nazrin said the institution of Rulers shall have the role and function to productively and constructively contribute to the nation. “The Rulers reside at a special position, have the opportunity to give smart views to influence and determine the direction of the nation positively and constructively through counsel, encouragement, persuasion, reminder and admonition,” he said.
To strengthen integrity practice, Raja Nazrin said, the Rulers shall hold consultations and negotiations, gather opinions and be open minded to assess each advice rationally, objectively and fairly. - Bernama

fr thestar online 7 November 2008

Greater efficiency will reduce corruption

KUCHING: Greater efficiency in the public delivery system will help reduce corruption, Chief Justice Tan Sri Zaki Azmi said.
He said there would be no need to resort to corruption if things were done quickly and efficiently without unneccessary delay.
“If you improve your efficiency, corruption will go down. The public will also be happy because services are delivered fast,” he said Friday in a panel discussion on the theme “Integrity, the Catalyst for Sustainable Development” at the National Integrity Convention here.
The convention was organised by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity in collaboration with the state government and in conjunction with National Integrity Day.
Zaki said high standards of efficiency must be continually improved upon and not allowed to decline in order to meet public expectations.
Giving an example, he said that once the public could get their passports in four hours, they would not settle for getting it in 24 hours.
“You must keep pushing the standards up so that you don’t slack,” he said.
He also said politicians should lead by example when it comes to integrity and rooting out corruption.
“Politicians are our leaders. If they don’t set good standards, everybody will follow. “If the boss is not firm, everybody will not be firm,” he added.

written by Sharon Ling from thestar online: 7 November 2008

RM3 billion lost to fraud

by Charles Ramendran; from the Sun2Surf 28 October 2008

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 28, 2008): Police today said an estimated RM3 billion was lost in white collar crimes from 2006 to this month, a loss that reflects the size of the problem for businesses regardless of size. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) records showed the losses were sustained from cyber fraud, money laundering, criminal breach of trust, counterfeiting and other forms of cheating. He said according to a survey by an established accounting and auditing firm, about 48% of companies in Malaysia have experienced white collar crimes in the past two years. The same study showed fraud to be the most problematic issue for businesses regardless of size, location and industry. Speaking at the launch of the National Seminar on Forensics Accounting and Financial Criminology at the Securities Commission in Bukit Kiara, Ismail said corporate fraud increases the cost of doing business, puts a dent on consumer confidence and affects the profits of shareholders. He said in the long run, this can damage the soundness of the financial system and the economy. He said to safeguard legitimate businesses and consumers from fraud, financial institutions must develop a framework on its risks, conduct regular audits, issue regulatory guidelines and develop monitoring mechanisms. He said there should also be a suitable channel for informers or whistleblowers to come forward and corporations should share information of fradulent activities among themselves. Ismail said forensics accounting will eventually become the most powerful investigative tool in combating economic crimes. He said the CCID had formed its Forensic Accounting Division three years ago and it is headed by an assistant commissioner of police with a team of officers who have a strong background in the legal, financial and accounting fields. He said the police will work hand in hand with several other law enforcement agencies such as Bank Negara and the Anti Corruption Agency to contain economic crimes.

A truly independent ACA

The Sun from the sun2surf; THE Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) proposal to make itself more independent by establishing a commission will go a long way towards improving its image, which has taken a battering of late. The fallacy that the agency acts without fear or favour is further compounded by the recent admission of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he has called up ACA officers to question them on a case they were investigating. However, one hopes that the proposal by the ACA for a commission to investigate corruption – modelled after Hongkong’s very successful Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will not be another cosmetic exercise in the same image as Suhakam – the Malaysian Human Rights Commission that has proven to be a toothless tiger, whose annual report is not even tabled in Parliament. One reason for this is that after all the hard work the ACA puts in to investigate and make a case against an individual or individuals, whether the law will take its course hinges solely on the Attorney-General’s discretion. Public confidence in the system has waned due to this discretion, which the people perceive is often used against those abused, and in favour of those protected, by the system. Thus, one cannot fault the public’s lack of enthusiasm for the proposal, which to all intents and purposes is a good suggestion, as a commission against corruption would make the agency answerable to the people via Parliament. Which is why, it is imperative that those tasked with ensuring the commission’s independence and effectiveness must be sincere in wanting to rehabilitate the image of the ACA – an agency that in itself has been rocked by allegations of corruption and abuse of power by its former head. Firstly, the commission must comprise respected individuals from various strata of government, society and civil groups – be it former policemen, judges and members of organisations which champion transparency – to imbue checks-and-balances and reduce the likelihood of interference from third parties. Secondly, the decision to proceed or not with prosecution must not be vested solely on one individual. A mechanism must be in place where the Attorney-General should be made answerable for his decision – making him, too, accountable to the people. Thirdly, the commission must give detailed reasons as to why a case has been dropped. The present attitude of "we don’t need to explain or inform" does not help instil public confidence in the ACA. Fourthly, there must be adequate protection for whistle-blowers. Previously, those who lodged reports were treated as suspects. One hopes that finally, there is political will to ensure a competent, effective and transparent system to fight graft.

Delivery system Aim for excellence in service

IN line with the prime minister's call to reduce red tape and improve administrative efficiency in government departments, all departmental and agency heads should monitor the implementation of their clients' charters to ensure they deliver the promises made in them. The charter sets out the goals and targets of a department and how long it will take to deliver a service. We must not allow the charters to be just dead letters, more so when the chief secretary to the government has emphasised improving service delivery. Introducing the charters is one thing, ensuring that they work is another. It is imperative for all departments and agencies, including local authorities which have adopted the charters, to monitor their implementation. I wish to suggest that charters be displayed at the service counters of public authorities, informing the public of the promises made and whom they can complain to and seek redress from in case of non-delivery. In line with administrative accountability and transparency, departments, agencies and local authorities should act on public complaints published in newspapers. Public complaints published in the print media provide feedback to the authorities. Departments, agencies and local authorities must always be sensitive to complaints or suggestions about their departments and take action. The prime minister has emphasised fighting graft and improving service delivery. It is time for the government to upgrade its Public Complaints Bureau. Citizens, too, have a role to play in the development of a quality service. By providing feedback and giving suggestions, they can improve the service delivery systems. As society progresses, people are more conscious of their rights and expect better performance from civil servants. My advice to civil servants is to achieve excellence in serving the nation.

By : TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Kuala Lumpur; nst online.

A bribe is still a bribe

KOTA BARU: The amount may be small but a bribe is still a bribe.
That was what Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) Deputy Director-General Datuk Zakaria Jaffar emphasised when he revealed that the lowest bribe amount the agency investigated in Kelantan was RM9, in 2004.
“The measure of culpability is not in the amount ... the amount may be small, but it’s still an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 ... for giving a bribe,” he told reporters here. Earlier, he attended the handing over of duties by state ACA director Md Yusof Md Zain, who will assume the post of Johor ACA director, to Mohd Jaafar Hussin.
Zakaria said the highest bribe amount the agency investigated in Kelantan in the last five years was RM1,500. He also said that during that period the Kelantan ACA received 1,931 tip-offs and investigation papers were opened on 218 cases.
“A total of 60 people were arrested and charged with corruption in those five years.” – Bernama

Neither giver nor taker be

WHEN the present administration first took office pledging to combat corruption, and when protesters took to the streets three years later to denounce the perceived lack of progress in that regard, it's doubtful that either context encompassed the door gifts, goodie bags and letter-openers routinely presented to guests of honour gracing events with their presence to do the ribbon-cutting, gong-banging and plaque-signing honours. This makes it almost charming that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) should spend so much thought on drafting guidelines on gifts to public servants.

The problem is that such efforts presumably to educate civil servants on proper behaviour imply that common sense is lacking among the target audience. Do public servants in positions of authority seriously need to be told not to give jobs or projects to their friends and relatives, or to not use their offices for personal gratification? Is it not obvious that financial bequests to a government department should be made known to the relevant ministry? Most bemusing of all is the injunction that luxury gifts such as watches or branded accessories need to be reported to the prime minister, when surely the core principle here is that there's no reason for such transactions in the first place.

But this is a tradition -- and an elegant one at that. It has always been part of our cultures and values that guests are honoured, treated well and not left empty-handed. Even if economic development leading to the expansion of the petty bourgeoisie has seen this evolve from a measure of rice to a jewelled wristwatch, isn't the generous and hospitable intent the same? Not quite. Implicit in the ACA's guidelines is the knowledge that such salutations, from lavish presents to felicitous notices in the newspaper, are calculated to establish a special relationship with their recipients. A kindness now might anticipate reciprocity later; a favour between friends, perhaps?

It would be glaringly lopsided, therefore, if the ACA's guidelines to public servants were not balanced with an equal-but-opposite exhortation to the private sector. Enough with the gewgaws and fripperies, the pewter plates, special gifts and congratulatory ads, in attempting to groom relations with the government. They are a waste of money and resources, and an ethically grey area best avoided. Offer a donation to charity, perhaps, instead of further burdening the chief executive with deciding what to do with officers who have no compunction against flashing bling they could never afford personally.

The Editorial : NST Online.

Fight graft with integrity pacts

Josie M. Fernandez The SunSurf

WORLDWIDE, new governments pronounce passionately that combating corruption will be their priority agenda during their tenure. Malaysia is no different. The fight against corruption has been an evolving story since 1957. The first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was instrumental in the enactment of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1961 and the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency. In 1998 then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad directed the formation of Integrity Management Committees in government agencies to investigate abuse of power and mismanagement. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi instituted various measures to eradicate corruption such as the Royal Police Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Police Force in December 2003.The National Integrity Plan was launched in 2006 and the Integrity Institute of Malaysia established. The Anti–Corruption Academy, a regional centre for anti-corruption training became operational in 2005.

Despite all these efforts corruption continues to be described as being pandemic in the country. Party manifestoes for the General Election 2008 therefore gave top priority to fighting corruption. Newly appointed Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng have pronounced their desire to continue the battle against corruption. It is unclear how they will do this. Khalid has stated he would look into a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) for greater transparency in the award of projects. The FOI gives citizens the right of access to bureaucratic documents. This may be helpful but enactment of laws and their implementation are not instantaneous.

Anti-corruption advocates point out that "Prosecution is a blunt tool against corruption." Prevention is better than cure in the battle against corruption as experiences from developed economies such as the UK, Germany and South Korea and developing economies such as Colombia and Indonesia indicate. One anti-corruption tool that is being used extensively in these countries is the Integrity Pact.

The Integrity Pact (IP), a tool developed by Transparency International, is intended to prevent corruption during the award of contracts for major investment projects. The IP, an important tool for integrity in procurement, contains rights and obligations that no party will pay, offer, demand or accept bribes of any kind or collude with competitors to obtain the contract or while carrying it out. Bidders will also disclose commissions paid in relation to the contract. The IP is binding on both contract suppliers and contract bidders. Sanctions and punitive actions as well as future exclusions from contract bidding are some of the actions that can be taken against those who violate the IP. Additionally, adherence to IPs is monitored by non-governmental organisations.

The IPs can be tailored to the needs of federal and state governments and local authorities. In the UK, IPs are being increasingly used in defence agreements and the construction industry. The Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe has adopted the use of IPs in defence contracts. In Germany the IP was successfully used in the expansion of the Berlin-Schonefeld airport. South Korea has significantly reduced corruption through the Korean Pact on Anti-Corruption and Transparency (K-PACT).

The K-PACT’s strategy of involving the public and private sectors, politicians and civil society has improved transparency and built investor confidence.

Colombia has implemented more than 60 IPs in various sectors including telecommunications. In Mexico more than 45 IPs are operational. The biggest infrastructure project of the decade, the El Cajon hydroelectric plant has adopted the IP. An interesting aspect of the Latin American experience of implementing IPs is the role of the Social Witness — an independent and technically competent monitor. The Muncipality of Moron in Argentina has held public hearings for contracts in waste collection services. As a result, Moron spent less on waste collection compared to other municipalities in Buenos Aires.

Closer to home, Solok district in West Sumatra offers some useful lessons in the adoption of IPs at the local level. (I was a member of the evaluation team of IP implementation in Solok in December 2006). In 2003, Gamawan Fauzi, then Regent of Solok district and now Governor of West Sumatra, studied the Korean Pact and introduced a similar pact in Solok. All procurement processes are bound by the IP. Access to public information and community participation has brought several benefits to the district. Project costs were reduced by 30%. Special awards in addition to the salary were given to public officials for efficient implementation of the IP. Defects in projects such as the Kapala Bandan bridge were highlighted as a result of community monitoring. However local contractors were not very happy with the IP implementation. Too much transparency resulted in contracts being given to outsiders resulting in loss of job opportunities for locals! This is an area that will need some attention.

The implementation of IPs is cost effective. It takes about four months for all the processes to be put in place from training of public officials, industry, civil society, procedural changes to the preparation of documents. Both Barisan Nasional (BN) and non-BN led states could make IP implementation their priority in the battle against corruption.

For a start, non-BN MPs should set the example by signing an IP that they will not abuse their power or accept bribes.

Josie Fernandez is affiliated with numerous social interest organisations, including the Integrity Institute of Malaysia. 

Leadership is graft free administration

Stay away from corruption, Cabinet told

By V.P. SUJATA and MAZWIN NIK ANIS; The STAR Online.

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi expects those in his new Cabinet to stay away from corruption, serve with integrity and dignity, go to the ground often and organise frequent meet-the-grassroots sessions.  The Prime Minister also wants his ministers to be people-friendly wakil rakyat, be ever willing to serve, and be ready to continue with government policies that are popular among the people and the private sector. During his inaugural post-election Cabinet meeting, Abdullah reminded his ministers to be well-behaved. “They must completely reject corruption. They must stay away from corrupt practices and there should be no compromise on this issue.  “We are waging a war against corruption and we are serious about it,” he told a packed press conference after the meeting. Abdullah also spoke at length on the importance of addressing and attending to issues that had emerged during the election, adding it was crucial to take note of the message that the people had relayed to Barisan Nasional through the election results. He said the issues that would be closely looked into included judiciary reforms, inflation, crime and the aspirations of the younger generation. “We need to understand them and respond to their needs. At the same time, we need to step up implementation efforts. It has to be effective, vigorous and be carried out with greater determination. We must ensure that our projects create greater success and bring more prosperity to the rakyat,” he said.  On the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which has entered its second phase, the Prime Minister said whatever that has been drawn up must be carried out, adding the Economic Planning Unit would draw up a study on the matter for the Cabinet to review and discuss. On the fate of the projects that were drawn up for the five states that had fallen to the opposition, Abdullah said he would be discussing with the respective state governments as some of the projects had been decided upon and money had been paid. 

Abdullah also briefed his ministers on the decision to have everyone publicly declare their assets, which would be done twice throughout the five-year term, adding that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) would come up with forms for them to fill up for the process of declaring their assets. 

He said that an annual review would also be held to gauge the effectiveness of the government’s actions, especially in responding to issues and problems, adding the present system of having a review at the end of every four years was insufficient. The Prime Minister said that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak spoke on behalf of the rest, pledging their support and loyalty to the government and promised to work hard for the people, adding he was touched to see their determination, which reflected unity and the spirit of togetherness.