KUCHING: Certified Integrity Officers (CEIOs) must be courageous in pointing out any wrongdoing within their respective departments to ensure that abuse of power does not occur.
In stating this, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said that CEIOs carry a significant responsibility in assisting the government in combating abuse of power, starting at the grassroots level.
“When entrusted as a CEIO, we have many opportunities to help the government fight abuse of power from the grassroots level.
“This can be done either through direct reprimand of such actions or by informing the department head about administrative matters. This is because corruption starts with ‘mild administration,’ and it must be stopped early on,” he said.
He said this during the Citra Diri Certified Integrity Officer (CEIO) Sarawak Programme held here on Thursday.
Juanda also emphasised that CEIOs should not fear carrying out their responsibilities, as protection from higher authorities is assured.
“If we have the courage to take action in safeguarding our departments, protection from higher authorities is something certain.
“Do not be afraid or worried about not being promoted or being transferred if we report wrongdoing. But as CEIOs, this is the responsibility we have taken on,” he said.
The Citra Diri CEIO Sarawak Programme aims to strengthen integrity officers in performing their duties more effectively and to ensure transparent and integrity-driven governance practices in the public service.
