AUTHORITIES are currently conducting an investigation into the National Registration Department (JPN) and the Immigration Department in order to identify the ‘bad apple’ in the two agencies that are linked to corruption and abuse of power.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, it was unfair to make random accusations or to link the entire department to corrupt practices, although he acknowledged the existence of ‘bad apples’ that needed to be eradicated.
Zahid said he previously oversaw both departments when he was the home minister, during which he often heard about various accusations hurled against the agencies.
“We should not make random accusations. In this matter, what is important is the effectiveness of the measures taken to the two departments, there may be a ‘bad apple’.
“This ‘bad apple’ does exist and has always existed, and sometimes one bad apple spoils the barrel.
“Therefore, it should be eradicated and I fully agree with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who did it, but I think it is unfair to accuse the entire department,” he said after chairing the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) implementation monitoring committee today (July 4).
“Like the Prime Minister had pointed out, this only involved a small group of civil servants. Nonetheless, there should be an investigation so that we can shed some light on the claims and for action to be taken.”
On Monday (July 3) Anwar said that he was informed of payment being asked for documents from JPN, including citizenship during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly.
“I want to share this information. Yesterday (Sunday July 2), I received information about a matter that may still be under investigation.
“We want to facilitate those eligible to obtain status, including citizenship. But to get the certificate, it is said that payments were imposed,” he had said.
Last Thursday (June 29), Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing barged into the international arrivals hall to protect a Chinese national who had been allegedly detained at KLIA since June 28 after arriving in the country.
Tiong said that his visit to the airport exposed a “culture of corruption by a few officials and chronic abuse of power.”
He claimed that immigration officers sought up to RM3,000 to free detained visitors, and an additional RM3,000 if they wanted to return to their home country right away.
Anwar then made a surprise visit to KLIA on Sunday (July 2) which was conducted on the heels of the bombshell dropped by Tiong over the alleged “culture of corruption” among some Immigration officers at the country’s main gateway.
Following his visit, the Tambun MP advised civil servants to leave their “old ways” behind for the country to strive for excellence. – July 4, 2023
Main pic credit: ismaweb
