Media Statement by Datuk Henrynus Amin, President of Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI)
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) asserts that corruption is a cancer that is destroying the State and impoverishing its people. This situation cannot be allowed to continue.
We urge the Sabah State Government to be proactive and acknowledge that the eradication of corruption is a collective responsibility that requires more than just relying on one party like the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission).
Rampant corruption, especially that involving conspiracies between political leaders and ‘towkays’ (business tycoons) in project procurement and license issuance, has led to the State’s stagnation, the bankruptcy of values, and the suffering of the people for the enrichment of a select few. It must be stopped immediately!
He said alleged corruption involving top government leaders such as those implicated in the mineral propecting licenses scandals are just the tip of an iceberg.
We are reminded of the RM100 million in cash stashed behinds office cabinets belonging to the Sabah Water Department which is still an active court case.
This explains why in a country with high rainfall and many rivers, we are still complaining about water shortage. Where did the billions went to?
We do not know about other state departments that handle billions worth of government contracts on infrastructure, not to mention lucrative licenses such as timber, quarry, sands, bird nest, deep sea fishing, etc.
Investors complain that nothing moves in Sabah without a “toll gates” and they exist in almost every level of the approving process. This most stop.
T7-POINT ACTION PLAN TO STRENGTHEN STATE INTEGRITY IN SABAH
ANAK NEGERI proposes a comprehensive 7-Point Action Plan to rebuild the integrity of the State Government’s administration:
Establishment of the Sabah State Ethics and Integrity Unit (UEINS):
Primary focus is to monitor unethical practices in all state departments, agencies, ministries, and Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) owned by the Sabah Government.
Ensure swift disciplinary and legal action is taken against public servants’ integrity issues.
Strengthen the Role of the Inspector General of Projects (IGP):
Grant the IGP full and uncompromising authority to audit every government project at every level.
Thoroughly investigate implementing agencies or departments if doubts arise regarding the Bill of Quantities (BQ), tender price, work quality, and payments.
Create a Corruption Complaint Box in Every District Office:
Facilitate the public to submit complaints directly, securely, and confidentially to the highest level.
The Complaint Box can only be opened by accredited officers from the Sabah Complaints Bureau to ensure transparency and prevent manipulation. Public complaints must be acted upon within 30 days.
Overhaul & Strengthen Weak Institutions:
Conduct a major overhaul of Ministries, Departments, Agencies, or GLCs found to have incompetence officials and rampant corruption.
The appointment of GLC Board members and top officials must be based on a merit and integrity system, not political appointments or cronyism.
Strict Regulation of Natural Resources (Licenses):
Freeze applications for all major licenses (timber, mining, sand and stone, silica sand, deep-sea fishing licenses, bird’s nest) until a transparent enforcement mechanism is established.
Future exploitation approvals must be based on a strict and professional merit system, not solely on the recommendation of Elected Representatives (YB) or political considerations.
Continuous Ethics and Integrity Briefings:
Conduct a continuous series of specialized briefings and training for all levels of civil servants, with the core agenda of rejecting corruption and upholding integrity.
Strengthened Cooperation:
Enhance cooperation and information sharing between UEINS, the Sabah Complaints Bureau, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for more effective action.
RESTORING VALUES: THE FOUNDATION OF AN INTEGRITY-BASED GOVERNMENT
To eliminate corruption at its root, we must restore the values that reject it, starting from the leadership:
Leadership by Example: Political leaders and senior officials must declare their assets publicly and transparently.
Culture of Shame for Corruption: Create public awareness where the act of corruption is not only legally wrong but also socially and morally disgusting and shameful.
Strengthening Principles of Trust and Accountability: Reinstill the awareness that positions in government are a public trust and not an opportunity for self-enrichment. Every decision should be made in the public interest.
Whistleblower Protection: Enforce stricter and more comprehensive protection laws for individuals who report misconduct, guaranteeing their safety and careers.
Parti ANAK NEGERI demands a State Government of Integrity and Cleanliness! Do not just hope the MACC does all the work. The State Government needs to be proactive and fully responsible!
