S'gor councils to implement integrity pacts
The Selangor government is in the process of expanding the practice of using integrity pacts at the local government level soon.
The pacts were introduced earlier to combat corruption in sand mining by state-owned Kuala Semesta Sdn Bhd and other state-issued contracts.
The Selangor government is in the process of expanding the practice of using integrity pacts at the local government level soon.
The pacts were introduced earlier to combat corruption in sand mining by state-owned Kuala Semesta Sdn Bhd and other state-issued contracts.
"I am proposing that the integrity pacts be implemented by local governments as soon as possible," said Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.
He announced this in his speech while addressing newly-minted Selangor municipal and city councillors before presenting them with their appointment letters at a ceremony in the Dewan Jubli Perak, Shah Alam today.
Integrity pacts, he said will help to combat corruption and abuse of power which he claimed to be the number one enemy of the nation.
"It will improve the transparency, accountability and good management practices in local governments and bidding companies," he added.
Asked at a press conference afterward on what would happen to councillors who breached the integrity pacts, Khalid warned that they may face expulsion."I guess they will no longer be councillors (after that)," said the MB.
Gentle reminder
In his speech, Khalid also told the newly-appointed councillors not to overstep their bounds as their position is not a privilege but a responsibility. But more importantly, he wants them to always be team players.
"It is difficult to implement state policies if councillors are not united. We must abide by any final decision made after discussions are over," warned Khalid.
The Selangor MB also extended his 'gentle' reminder to other local government officials.
"I would also like to remind the presidents of local governments, city mayors and heads of department to also work as a team. They must ensure that everyone cooperates," said Khalid.
Khalid's reminders and measures like the recently-announced local government advisory board and the integrity pacts, may be aimed at arresting problematic local governments which has been accused of being stumbling blocks in implementing state policies at the local level.
Some attributed this to 'uncooperative' state government officials, either relics of the former BN-led state government or federal appointees from the PTD (Diplomatic and Administrative Officers) corps.
