Kota Kinabalu: Absenteeism, unauthorised leave and uncertified sick leave are among the most common offenses committed by civil servants, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar
(pic) revealed.
Speaking at the Jelajah Taat Setia Madani Sabah programme yesterday, Shamsul Azri warned that department heads who fail to address or conceal integrity violations will face disciplinary action, including demerit points.
“Governance-related offenses, for instance, carry a 15 per cent demerit penalty,” he said.
“However, the number of offenders remains low — less than 10 per cent of civil servants. The most frequent violations include unauthorised overseas travel and uncertified sick leave.”
The Jelajah Taat Setia Madani initiative, a nationwide effort to strengthen loyalty and integrity in the civil service, drew over 2,000 Federal and state public sector employees in Sabah — the second state to host the programme after Negeri Sembilan.
Jointly organised by the Malaysia Nationhood Academy (AKM), the Chief Secretary’s Office (KSN), and the Sabah State Government, the event aligns with the Malaysia Madani philosophy, emphasising efficiency, accountability and loyalty among civil servants.
Shamsul stressed the need for tailored approaches to Sabah’s unique logistical challenges under the Public Service Reform Agenda.
Meanwhile, the Integrity and Governance Management System (Spine), currently being developed by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, is expected to be fully completed by October.
“Aside from leading the Special Task Force on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) to improve Malaysia’s position in the CPI rankings, we have also established the Governance Committee as an additional mechanism to strengthen integrity in the civil service,” Shamsul said.
He said civil administration operates through three levels of review to ensure fairness for all parties.
“We have the Investigation Committee, followed by the Disciplinary Board and then the appeal stage. This allows for a fair review and arbitration process.”
Regarding dismissal, he said the process takes time and is typically carried out in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
