KUALA LUMPUR: Heads of departments should comply with the disciplinary actions recommended by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) and improve internal procedures to ensure effective governance.

The EAIC said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for enforcement agency heads to get their departments in order should be taken seriously. 

It added that firm action and compliance by department heads with the commission's recommendations are key to strengthening enforcement integrity and restoring public trust in national institutions.

"The disciplinary punishment recommendations submitted by the Commission, including proposals to improve systems and internal procedural mechanisms, must be given serious attention and fully complied with.

"The EAIC will also refer disciplinary cases where action has not been taken, or has yet to be taken, back to the relevant Disciplinary Authorities and forward them to the respective heads of service for immediate action. 

"Firm action and compliance by heads of departments are key to strengthening enforcement integrity and restoring public trust in national institutions," it said in a statement. 

The commission said enforcers' participation in illegal activities not only undermines the agencies' credibility but also betrays the interests of the people and the nation.

"It must not be accepted or normalised under any circumstances," the commission added. 

Anwar yesterday issued a stern warning to senior enforcement officials, giving them one week to state whether they are prepared to shoulder their responsibilities or be ready to be moved to lower positions.

He said those unable to act firmly against wrongdoing should make way for others, following long-standing issues in enforcement.

SUMBER : New Straits Times