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

YOUNG LEADERS: A mature brain is what counts

AT a recent meeting, Tun Musa Hitam is reported to have said that this country needs young people for top posts. Not so. This country needs brains, brains with leadership quality, maturity and experience (and perhaps other desirable attributes). It does not matter if the brains sit on top of young or old people because it is brains that drive countries and organisations to success. No point having top posts with young people with limited, immature or no brain power.

fr the NST Online : 31 October 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.

Spotlight: 10 things to do... ... if I were the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment

I AM a Malaysian who tries hard to protect the environment and I realise that I am not alone. Numerous individuals are working tirelessly in various capacities within the government, NGOs and private sector for the betterment of our environment. Despite our efforts, it is clear there are still many basic issues which need to be resolved to ensure that our environment is conserved. And this can only happen through intervention from the very top -- the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Since I am not the minister, I can only dream on. But if I were the minister, these are the 10 things that I will do ...

1- Revenue sharing between federal and state governments

I'll convince the Cabinet that revenue sharing between the federal and state governments must be restructured if the natural resources and the environment of the country are to be protected sustainably. The present scheme, where most of the revenue generated goes to the federal government, forces state governments to rely almost completely on exploiting natural resources (forest, minerals, land) to fill their coffers, and this probably represents the greatest threat to the environment. There is no incentive for state governments to protect their forests even for tourism, because tourism related receipts such as service and sales tax go to the federal government. State governments are at the mercy of the federal government for development grants and financial assistance.  I will formulate a scheme that will give the state governments a better slice of government revenue while giving them greater responsibility for caring for the environment. I will provide performance-linked incentives to the state governments to protect their forests, water catchments, and other natural resources. 

2- Environmental Quality Council

I will revamp and revitalise the Environmental Quality Council. The council, despite being in existence since the enactment of the Environmental Quality Act, 1974, has not made any impact on environmental protection and management. It has not, despite its mandate, played a lead role in the development and formulation of environmental policies and strategies. Forget the layman. Even people in the government do not know that such a council exists. I will ensure that the council does what it is required to do, namely to advise me. 

When I say advise, I expect advice at a policy and strategic level, advice on the direction to move forward, advice on how the Department of Environment is doing, and advice on where we are going wrong. A major priority is a total review of the National Environmental Policy. If this requires me to revamp the make-up and the powers of the council, including greater involvement of the states, I will do it.

3- A more visible minister

I will be more visible, more vocal and strive to be the face of the country's environmental management. This sector has a visibility problem. All the key government people keep a low profile. The public has no icon, no champion to look up to. Forget the notion of "we do our work quietly". If the public cannot see us, if the public does know not who I am, don't expect the public to think we are really working. If the public knows Karam Singh Walia better than they know me, we have a problem. The country needs an icon and I intend to be that.

4- Better support for NGOs

I will continue the practice of my predecessors in engaging the NGOs, and I will take this a step further by providing greater moral and financial support. I realise that many of the effective environmental programmes in this country, particularly those at the community level, have been implemented and funded by NGOs. There are several environmental NGOs doing excellent work in Malaysia and by working more closely with them, I believe the government's job would be much easier.I will ensure that my ministry appreciates and accepts their independent thinking and constructive criticism. This undoubtedly calls for open-mindedness among my officers and this is something that I will constantly insist upon. 

5- National Transportation Policy

I will cajole, and if necessary threaten, my colleague, the Minster of Transport, that the National Transportation Policy should be jointly formulated by three ministries -- my ministry, Transport Ministry and Ministry of Energy, Water and Telecommunications. Transportation has such great impact on the environment and energy use that it cannot be left just to one ministry to decide. I do not want the Transport Ministry to just invite one of my officers to sit in some committee. We want to be in the joint driving seat. Transportation impacts the environment in so many ways -- emissions, land use, noise, societal, and through energy use. Sustainable transport is fundamental to ensuring environmental quality and reducing demand for energy.

6- National Biological Diversity Policy

I will reformulate the National Biological Diversity Policy. The present policy is outdated, so obscure that almost no one outside my ministry knows it, sets no targets, provides some vague directions and was formulated without serious stakeholder engagement. I will ensure the new National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that my ministry formulates will holistically address all the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This is the leading global agreement on how countries should manage their biological resources. We will set realistic targets, develop a holistic biodiversity planning framework, with action plans, budget and timeframe that will help us achieve our targets. I will ensure that Malaysia become the poster-boy or girl of CBD. I am aware that biological diversity is our national heritage and it is our duty to protect it.

7- Environmental impacts of the Malaysia Development Plans

I will examine the environmental impacts of the Ninth Malaysia Plan and all other subsequent national plans. For far too long, the country has focused on the "small picture" such as examining the environmental impacts of projects only and discharges from factories. It is time that we started looking at how our major policies, programmes and plans are affecting the environment. For example, we can't blame a farmer for opening farm land in Cameron Highlands -- our National Agriculture Policy encourages temperate agriculture. We can't blame TNB for building coal-fired power plants -- our Energy Policy explicitly calls for the use of coal.My ministry will study the environmental impacts of the major initiatives under the 9MP so that we can advise the Cabinet appropriately when the 10th Malaysia Plan is drafted in two years' time. I will also push for the adoption of a policy that requires all ministries to be responsible for environmental management within their areas of jurisdiction.

8- Biofuel

I will convince my colleagues in the energy and plantation sectors to review the national strategy on biofuel. 

Although the original intentions were noble, viz to produce more environment-friendly fuel and to rely less on fossil fuels, there is now an increasing body of scientific knowledge that there are unintended adverse consequences. Demand for palm oil and other biofuels is now threatening forest land and many important wildlife species, as well as pushing food prices up to the point where they threaten the welfare of millions of people, especially in the Third World. The benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emission from biofuels are now offset by increased carbon release from deforestation. Given the volume of scientific and economic analysis that is emerging, it is just a matter of time before many developed countries change their biofuel policies, almost certainly reducing demand for palm-oil based biofuels. We need to rethink our strategy now.

9- Water resource management

Too many ministries and agencies are involved in the management of our water resources -- KTAK, NRE, SPAN, JPS, MOA, DOE, PUAS, LUAS, various state agencies and local councils, etc. If you look at our rivers, you will know instantly that we have not got it right. Overlapping and conflicting jurisdictions, gaps, responsibilities without authority, lack of human capacity and the vagaries of the state-federal scope of jurisdiction add to the problem. I will push for a re-examination of these shortcomings, streamline the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies, and push for greater responsibility of state governments in water resource management. I will also give emphasis to the many grey areas such as catchment management and protection, sullage discharges, riparian reserves, quality of surface runoff, and protection of river aquatic life.

10- Environmental awareness and education 

I will ask the prime minister to insist that all ministries, departments and various statutory and non-statutory agencies, as well as all Members of Parliament, are aware of environmental policies that have been adopted in the country. I will work with the Education Minister to infuse greater environmental understanding into the school curriculum.  While there is some ongoing effort in this respect, this is not enough. We need to nurture teachers who are "environmentally-sensitive" -- hence the need to expand environmental education in teachers' training. In short, we need an environmental education policy, and then we need to consistently implement that policy. There are so many things to do and so little time or resources. To ensure follow through, I will establish a Performance Monitoring Unit that reports directly to me, with a brief to monitor performance, identify where actions are slow or neglected and where laws and rules are not being enforced. We cannot live without our environment to support us and it deserves better treatment than we are currently giving it. We have a big job to do and the sooner we put more resources and effort into it, the better for all our futures.

• This article was prepared bythe Policy Reserach Unit of ERE Consulting Group

for sharing purposes; Copied from NST Online; 25 October 2008

Selamat Menyambut Aidil Fitri -1 October 2008

Aku tak lupa akan Fitrah diri ini

Di alam fana semesta ciptaan Illahi

Dulu lagi, kini dan selamanya....

Ayah bonda sanak saudara ku

Engkau, dia dan mereka semua yang ada

Mohon restu illahi, ampun maaf jua dipinta

Dalam menyambut Aidil Fitri mulia.

Dept heads can give nod for second job

By Farah Naz Karim ; NST Online 29/09/2008

PUTRAJAYA: Civil servants who want to take on a second job to supplement their income now need only to seek approval from their heads of department. Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said civil servants must ensure that their part-time work did not interfere with their responsibilities to the service. To expedite the approval process, he said heads of departments could use their discretion to allow their employees to work part-time instead of seeking the nod from the PSD, as was the requirement previously.  "The government understands the pressures they are facing in light of the challenging economy and this move would definitely ease their burden," he told the New Straits Times yesterday. Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Omar Osman, in welcoming the decision, said his organisation had appointed representatives within the civil service to ensure that public servants who worked outside office hours did not abuse the privilege. He said they had been told to only start their part-time job after five and make sure they stopped by midnight. "We do not want our members to work till the break of dawn and when they reach their office the next morning, they start looking for storerooms to sleep." He said the one-step approval was appreciated as it would allow civil servants to quickly get started on their second job. At least 100 civil servants have applied for permission to do part-time jobs or run a petty trade. Among jobs they have applied to do are giving lectures and tuition, driving taxis, breeding fish, working as petrol station attendants and setting up stalls at night markets. The PSD expects more applications from the 800,000 government employees. In June, the government opened the door for them to supplement their income in view of the rising cost of living. Cuepacs has estimated that 450,000 civil servants earning between RM750 and RM1,500 a month are badly affected by rising prices, especially the high cost of fuel and food. In the private sector, some employees are moonlighting to make ends meet. Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan had said that there were employees in the private sector who were holding part-time jobs or second jobs without the knowledge of their employers.

Raring to make changes

By M. KRISHNAMOORTHY; The STAR Online September 14, 2008
The new Immigration director-general is set on improving efficiency and stamping out corruption at all levels.
CHANGE was the word uppermost in Datuk Mahmood Adam’s mind as he walked into his seventh floor Putrajaya office on July 21.
As the mass of new faces greeted him, the shocking detention and indictment of the previous director-general of Immigration on allegations of corruption was also in his thoughts.
Mahmood: 'It is a sin to take any form of bribe'
“My main task is to wipe out corruption and maladministration both of which the department is always accused of. Changes are needed in all areas of the department.
“Most of all, I need to change the way my colleagues think,” the new Immigration director-general said in an interview last week.
Among the first things he did was to change the department’s operation style to enhance better cooperation and boost staff morale.
But administrative efficiency aside, his main focus would be on wiping out corruption.
“I have been sent here on a mission. I have to meet the high expectations of the Government,” he said.
The Immigration Department is certainly not a new place for the 55-year-old DG. He was posted to the department in October 1976 when he was a young administrative officer.
Going into his second month as the DG, Mahmood has already introduced 26 changes to bring about better efficiency and transparency. One of the obvious changes is his noticeable presence.
The DG mixes freely with the staff and is often seen checking on queues at the counters several times a day. On Monday, he was seen on the crowded second floor, mingling with people waiting for visa extensions and employers seeking approvals for their workers.
Walking straight into a group of people holding immigration documents, he asked one woman who was waiting for her workers’ visa renewals: “How long have you been waiting?”
“One hour, I don’t know how much longer I will have to wait,” she replied.
The DG managed to pacify her with his smile and an assurance that the department was working on improving the system to reduce the waiting time.
As he turned around, N. Bala_krishnan, a manager of an outsourcing company greeted him.
“Thank you, Datuk. It is now much easier and faster to get approvals for visas. We used to wait for seven days but now it takes only three days,” he said.
Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association president Datuk R. Ramalingam said the new system allowed members of the organisation to deal directly with the department, compared with the previous system.
“The department now encourages employers to come forward themselves, eliminating the agents and their hefty commissions. Our applications for workers are certainly processed faster,” he said.
As soon as Mahmood took over, he met the various associations and organisations involved in bringing in foreign workers. Then he sat down with his top officers and found solutions to the problems. The officers were told that there should be no more delays in processing and approving applications.
According to him, the problems arose because systems were not put in the right place.
“My focus is now on getting the systems right. I have set up a one-stop centre committee which meets at 5pm daily to iron out problems in the head office and in the state and branch offices.
Mahmood, who has notched 32 years in the civil service, has served in various capacities in the Prime Minister’s Department, the Public Services Department, the Defence Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and also in the administration of Parliament.
The father of two who also has two grandchildren, has been living with his retired assistant headmistress wife in a double-storey link house in a low-income neighbourhood for the past 25 years.
Mahmood, who is serious in his war against graft, has this to say: “It is a sin to take any form of bribe to process or speed up applications