The Home Ministry tops a list of 22 ministries in relation to malpractice, with 133 of its personnel having been found guilty of corruption over the past four years, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M Kayveas today.

He told a press conference at the Parliament lobby that 548 corruption charges had been filed against individuals between 2000 and June this year. Of these, 251 involved government officials who were eventually found guilty.

The Transport Ministry (23 convicted), Finance Ministry (12), Education Minsitry (10) followed the Home Ministry, with the Prime Minister's Department in sixth place with eight cases (see chart).

The ministries of science, technology and environment; human resources; and energy, communications and multimedia recorded one case each.

Only three ministries - women and family development; international trade and industry; and foreign affairs - did not appear on the list.

Responding to a question, Kayveas said the reason why the home ministry had such a high number of cases was because it has several agencies under its jurisdiction.

Politicians investigated

The deputy minister also said 13 politicians were investigated by the ACA from 1990 to date, including parliamentarians and state assembly representatives. Also in this group were political figures heading such bodies as state foundations.

While refusing to divulge their names, Kayveas said five were found guilty and sentenced to jail terms ranging from one day to two years, or fined between RM1,800 and RM20,000.

Charges against another five were withdrawn, while one was discharged by the court. The remaining two politicians are still under investigation.

In March, a parliamentary reply from the PM's department stated that 25 senior government leaders, some as high up as ministers and deputy ministers, were being investigated by the ACA.

Kayveas added that the government has conducted many campaigns to raise awareness among civil servants on the consequences of accepting bribes.