Consider unconventional approaches to curb leakages, urges social activist

KUALA LUMPUR: A whistleblower incentive programme and the use of advanced data analytics are among efforts that should be considered to curb cases of malfeasance by officials in ministries, departments, agencies and government-linked companies, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Integrity Institute of Malaysia member said since traditional checks and balances have failed to produce the desired results, such out-of-the-box solutions should be considered.

“The whistleblower incentive programme, coupled with financial incentives for reporting misconduct, could encourage insiders to come forward with information on malfeasance.

“We could also implement advanced data analytics tools to detect patterns of fraudulent activities early on. By leveraging predictive modelling, agencies can proactively identify and address potential issues before they escalate,” he said in a statement on Monday (July 8).

Lee also called on the government to implement a policy mandating regular rotations of leadership positions within government agencies.

“This could help prevent the development of entrenched power structures that might contribute to malfeasance.

“An independent oversight commission composed of experts from various fields could also be formed to oversee government operations, and provide recommendations for improvement,” he lamented.

Such unconventional approaches, alongside traditional measures such as stricter enforcement mechanisms, reward and punishment, and enhanced training on ethics and governance, could help break the cycle of malfeasance and foster a culture of accountability within government institutions, he said.

Instead of relying on an annual Auditor-General’s report, Lee said a half-yearly or even quarterly report would be able to ensure swift remedial action.

“Year in, year out the Auditor-General highlights cases of malfeasance by officials in ministries, departments, agencies and government-linked companies, but no action seems to be taken to prevent such occurrences.

“These result in staggering losses of taxpayers ’monies,” he said.

In the latest report, the Auditor-General has made 64 recommendations for implementation by the errant parties, but it remains to be seen how many of them will be implemented, Lee said.

“Has there been an audit of all the previous years recommendations, to ascertain how many of them have been enforced?

“Are the yearly losses due to poor governance, planning, negligence, oversight, corruption or ineptitude?,” he questioned.

In monetary terms, accumulated deficits have amounted to billions of ringgit, he said.

“With just RM1bil, the government could have built 10,000 low cost houses for the B40 group or provide better facilities to our hospitals to improve the quality of life of the people.

“It is high time that we plugged all loopholes and injected a sense of responsibility into those entrusted with the duty to serve the people,” he added.