Only a small group of Immigration Department officers who are set in their ways are linked to corruption, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
While addressing the staff at the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar said stern action would be taken immediately against those involved in graft.
Anwar said he had personally visited the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to assess the situation following claims that the Immigration officers there were corrupt.
“All the Immigration counters were working, which meant the majority of the Immigration staff were doing their jobs well, but we are also aware, and I have often stressed, that there is a small group of people who are familiar with the old system and practices,” he said.
Anwar made a surprise visit to KLIA yesterday following an incident involving a Chinese traveller and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing who alleged corruption at the arrival hall.
In his speech today, Anwar said high-ranking government officials should seek to correct problems instead of finding fault or criticising.
“I believe that this is the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and it should act.
“Although the number is small, there must be strong and decisive action, otherwise it will damage the image of the administration.”
He advised civil servants to leave their “old ways” behind for the country to strive for excellence.