KUALA LUMPUR, A multi-faceted approach is necessary to effectively combat corruption among civil servants, according to a member of the Malaysian Integrity Institute Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

According to the well-known social activist, merely increasing wages without accompanying reforms in governance, ethics training, transparency, integrity, and whistleblower protections is unlikely to yield significant change.

As the government announced its plan to raise salaries for civil servants, Lee warns that this move alone, without structural reforms such as changes to recruitment processes and career development opportunities, will not be sufficient to tackle corrupt practices.

‘Without a shift in mindset and culture surrounding public service, higher pay might not deter corrupt practices. If the system of accountability, transparency, ethics, and integrity is weak, even higher salaries will not have the desired impact,’ he said in a statement to Bernama.

Lee suggested that the government implement new and innov
ative ways to support efforts to reduce or eliminate corruption among civil servants.

Lee also recommended utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to monitor civil servants’ behaviours and identify patterns that may indicate corrupt practices.

‘Many corrupt civil servants see taking bribes as an easy way to boost their illegitimate income. If the public continues to view some civil servants as inherently corrupt, salary increases may not alter these perceptions.

‘Thus, effective public relations, ethics education, and community engagement are necessary to foster trust. Additionally, the government could develop a system that brings together civil servants, technologists, academicians, and NGOs to brainstorm anti-corruption solutions,’ he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency