Govt agencies not taking action against complaints from public, says EAIC
SHAH ALAM - Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) revealed it received over 6,000 complaints on government agencies failing to take action on complaints lodged by public.
Among the complaints were not acting on the complaints, not informing on the progress and the result of the investigation.
A total of 1,371 cases related to the matter were reported from 2020 to February this year involving as many as 21 government agencies.
Among the other complaints received were being inappropriate, abuse of power, committing criminal offences, corruption, not following the law, offences link to civil servants and offences related to confiscation or arrest.
EAIC chief executive officer Norhayati Ahmad said since the commission was established on 1 April 2011, there has been 6,683 complaints received with 1,133 investigation papers opened, and 1,113 cases resolved.
"For the period starting in 2020 until last February, the highest complain was on failing to take action on the complaints.
"In addition, other complaints that recorded the highest number were inappropriate behaviour such as rudeness and shouting, abuse of power, criminal offences such as drugs and theft of case goods, corruption, not following written laws and offences related to the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"There were also complaints made because they were not satisfied with the summons issued, offences related to public servants and offences related to arrest and seizure," she told Sinar.
Norhayati added that according to Sections 16, 23 and 26 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700), each complaint will be assessed through the Complaints Committee Meeting process.
She said they will decide whether there is a need to conduct a preliminary investigation or refer the case to the EAIC disciplinary committee.
"If the complained is link to corruption, the matter will be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for further action. However, if the initial findings show a case to be unfounded, then we will not continue the complaint.
"Usually it is not continued because the complaint made is incomplete and the complainant may not cooperate, she said, adding that other reasons were due to fake phone number given and the report was accusatory.
She said a full investigation will be conducted including recording witness testimony, call in complainants and individuals complained as part of the investigation procedure.
Norhayati said EAIC has a total of 23 investigative officers who will be dispatched to the scene of the incident in addition to interviewing the individuals needed to assist the investigation.
"This commission does not have the authority to take direct disciplinary action against law enforcement officers found to have committed misconduct.
"On the other hand, through Act 700, EAIC is empowered to make recommendations and certification of forms of punishment to agencies involved to take action against its officers or members.
"Next, the enforcement agencies are required to inform EAIC on their actions and reasons for their decisions within 14 days," she said.
Norhayati further added that among the recommendations submitted by EAIC for action to be taken are appropriate disciplinary punishment, forfeiture of emoluments or demotion, withholding of salary increase (not less than three and six months), warning and dismissal.
She explained that the recommendation was submitted after the investigation paper was completed and the findings presented in the commission meeting chaired by EAIC Chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.
