ESTABLISHING INTEGRITY UNITS CAN STRENGTHEN LOCAL COUNCILS – LEE

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- The move to make it mandatory for every local authority (PBT) to establish an Integrity Unit (UI) by Aug 31 is timely to enhance integrity within organisations that operate in the public interest, said Malaysian Institute of Integrity member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the establishment of such units is warranted, given the frequent integrity-related issues raised by the public regarding services received from local councils.

“Strengthening integrity values in organisations like PBTs can help shape more transparent and honest institutions in delivering services to the public.

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“This mandatory step by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is an initiative that not only improves the quality of public service but also adds value to organisations while reinforcing public confidence in government agencies,” he said in a statement today. 

Lee added that setting up Integrity Units at local councils sends a clear message that the government is committed to preventing misconduct, abuse and leakages in the discharge of duties entrusted to these organisations.

On May 1, MACC announced that all local councils must establish UIs by Aug 31 as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen administrative integrity.

In a statement, MACC said that to streamline the reporting structure, all liaison officers at local councils are now required to report directly to the UI at the State Secretary’s Office, instead of reporting to the local council president.

-- BERNAMA