Loke: We will work with MACC on any misconduct cases
PUTRAJAYA: Pre-emptive measures will be taken to assist any investigations into possible misconduct by personnel in the Transport Ministry, said its minister Anthony Loke.
Loke’s declaration came after MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki reportedly told the New Straits Times that over 500 reports of alleged misconduct by government personnel had been ignored by their respective department heads.
According to the report released yesterday, complaints about the police force made up the bulk of the 553 unaddressed cases, followed by officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), with some dating back as far as 12 years.
Loke said that while he lacked information on the latest situation, he and his ministry will extend full cooperation towards any follow-up into the report.
“I currently lack concrete facts on the issue as I only learned of it through the media reports this morning.
“I am now arranging for a meeting as soon as possible with Azam for the report’s details and number of the officers under my ministry that may be involved.
“I have also instructed all levels of my ministry, from the secretary-general to the head of every department, to give their full cooperation to any MACC investigation.
“Those found guilty with sufficient credible evidence of misconduct will have immediate action taken against them,” he told reporters after the Transport Ministry’s monthly meeting and special Hari Raya open house here yesterday.
He noted that the reports of misconduct were also likely not criminal-related as MACC would not have to wait for a response from the ministries otherwise.
“The cases of misconduct are likely officers who showed a lack of diligence, whether failing to or refusing to perform their duties in a proper or timely manner.
“Otherwise, MACC would have direct authority to take immediate action on suspected criminal offenders without needing to wait for our response,” he added.
Source: The Star
