KUCHING: The practise of integrity must begin with leaders themselves, says Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
“Honesty and trustworthiness must be nurtured holistically by the leaders themselves. Not only just by saying it, the action also reflects the leader’s commitment to be accountable,” he said when officiating an integrity programme for Padawan organised by the Sarawak Integrity Unit (Union) at Kampung Beratan on Monday (Oct 26).
He urged community leaders to lodge a report on any suspicious and irregular activities to ensure those involved in graft could be brought to justice.
“If any of you hear of any hanky-panky and irregularities (in our administration), you can tell me. Here is my number, 012-898 3366.”
Earlier, Talib said integrity in leadership would earn people’s trust and prevent organisation members from involving in graft.
“It is crucial, especially for those in positions of leadership to have integrity.
“Without integrity, organisations will fail.”
To build a corruption-free society, he added, all Sarawak needed was good governance, abiding by the rule of law.
“Good teams of officers and civil servants with high integrity are vital to develop a high integrity society.
“This is our target, we will do more, we will not give up. Our hope is that we will have more officers with integrity, are honest, law-abiding and will not abuse their power by involving in corrupt practices.”
