KUCHING: Community leaders, local representatives, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role as ‘watchdogs in reporting enforcement misconduct, said Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar. He emphasized the importance of the public feeling confident in reporting abuse of power or injustices, highlighting that complaints made through legitimate channels like the EAIC are thoroughly investigated.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Ismail Bakar addressed the significance of community leaders in supporting the process of reporting misconduct during his speech at the Encouraging Responsibility Accountability Trustworthiness (ERAT) programme in Kota Samarahan. He asserted that empowering the public to come forward and seek justice is essential. Furthermore, he noted that strengthening public service requires personnel with high integrity and warned that those found guilty of violations, misconduct, or breaches of ethics would face strict actions, inclu
ding dismissal from service.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Datuk Rubiah Wang, stressed the vital role of the EAIC in helping the country achieve its goal of becoming a cleaner, more transparent nation, free from misconduct. She highlighted that this aligns with the public’s growing demand for transparency and accountability in the public service. Datuk Rubiah reassured that only those guilty of misconduct should fear the EAIC’s investigations, as the mechanism serves to defend against baseless allegations, ensuring justice and truth in every action taken. She added that the commission not only protects the public but also acts as a shield for enforcement officers of integrity.

In a statement, the EAIC mentioned that the ERAT programme was jointly organised with KKDW and the Samarahan Resident’s Office. The programme aims to raise awareness about accountability, responsibility, and trust in combating enforcement misconduct and to promote integrity as the core of public
service. Approximately 1,000 individuals, including representatives from enforcement agencies under the EAIC, Samarahan community leaders, NGO representatives, public agency officers, and local residents attended the ERAT programme.