“The effectiveness and integrity of government administration would be compromised, while political instability, imbalanced development and loss of moral values are some of the consequences of corruption,” said Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing when officiating at the Bintulu Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) ‘Gerak Mesra Masyarakat’ (gotong royong) programme here yesterday.

His speech was delivered by his political secretary Zaedy Nor Abu Nasir.

The programme was jointly organised by Tiong’s office, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Village Development and Security committee (JKKK) RPR Kidurong.

Tiong said by holding the ACA Gerak Mesra Masyarakat programme, the ACA could inform the community on the negative impact of corruption and encourage the people to cooperate with the agency.

He added the ACA should use this programme to build trust from the people on their agency and enhance the people’s confidence in the agency in eradicating corruption in the country.

Tiong said the ACA had to restore their integrity as a truly independent agency similar to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong China.

Towards this end, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently announced that the ACA would be restructured into an independent commission with its members appointed by Yang Di Pertuan Agong under advice of Prime Minister.

“The commission will give an annual report to the parliament committee which means the ACA would not only be responsible to one department but the whole parliament instead,” he said adding that the commission would also be given more power to carry out its duties.