Rise In Tip-Offs To ACB Vote Of Confidence
By Za'irn Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - The rise in the number of complaints the AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) received over the last four years has been seen as a show of confidence by the public on the bureau.

Abang Haji Kifrawi Bin OKPSD Hj Abu Hanifah, Acting Deputy Director of Anti Corruption Bureau, in his capacity as chairman of the silver jubilee celebration of the bureau, provided some statistics

during a media conference at the Anti Corruption Bureau headquarters, Old Airport, Berakas yesterday while also announcing the upcoming activities to be held in conjunction with the bureau's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Also present was Elinda Haji C A Mohammad, Head of Legal & International, Anti Corruption Bureau, in her capacity as head of media & publicity for the silver jubilee celebration.

The number of sources of information has increased in the last four years. In 2003, the bureau received 214 complaints. The number went down in 2004 to 200 but in 2005 it went up to 203 and in 2006 the number jumped to 244.

The sources of information received by the bureau included anonymous letters, those who came to the bureau, by telephone, through meetings outside the bureau, referred by departments/ministries, investigations, sources/agents and through SMS/e-mail.

A significant change in the trend of information received was also noticed in the last four years. In 2003, the highest number of tip-offs received came via anonymous letters at 92; in 2004 the number went down to 53, peaked again in - 2005 at 75 and went down to 48 last year.

The highest number of tip-offs received in 2006, at 81, came from sources/agents, a big jump compared to the last four years - seven in 2003, 14 in 2004 and four in 2005. This shows an increase in the form of information received via sources/agents, showing a change in trend.

Information received through SMS/e-mail also increased from 12 in 2005 to 16 in 2006.

Of the 244 tip-offs received last year, 48 or 19.67 per cent were anonymous letters, 47 or 19.26 per cent came personally to the bureau, 26 or 10.66 per cent made telephone calls, 12 or 4.92 per cent were met outside the bureau, 10 or 4.09 per cent were referred by departments/ ministries, four or 1.64 per cent came through investigations, 81 or 33.20 per cent through sources/agents and 16 or 6.56 per cent via SMS/e-mail.

With regards to the outcome of the information received last year, 77 needed initial investigation to prove the allegations, 61 tip-offs were too vague and general or no element of corruption was found; 42 tip-offs could be

pursued for investigation; 27 tip-offs needed further information from complainants; 22 were tip-offs similar to previous information received; and 15 did not have ingredients of corruption and needed appropriate action taken by the respective ministries or departments.

The bureau also recorded a substantial number of successful prosecutions.

Meanwhile, speaking on the silver jubilee celebration of the bureau, Abang Haji Kifrawi said, "Among the activities lined up for the silver jubilee celebration is a Surah Yasin recitation, tahlil and thanksgiving prayer ceremony that will be held on February 1 at the Mohammad Bolkiah Mosque, Kg Serusop; a road show on corruption prevention on March 26 at The Rizqun Hotel, Gadong for which personnel from the Anti Corruption Bureau of Malaysia have been invited; and a silver jubilee celebration on March 28 at OGDC, Seria, Belait District.

Other activities include a blood donation campaign, walkathon and distribution and publication of a memoir and souvenir in conjunction with the silver jubilee to be distributed to government departments, higher institutions and schools all over the country.

The book will be issued as a reference for parties to spread the vision and mission of the department, achievements over the last 25 years and also describing the acts that offenders face.

"The purpose of holding these activities is to generate understanding and awareness in society on the dangers of corruption and its impacts. Also, organising these activities gives the message to members of the public that we have complied to the initiatives of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption," Abang Haji Kifrawi added.

The theme of the silver jubilee celebration is "Bersatu Membangun Negara Dengan Menjauhi Amalan Rasuah" (Unite to develop the nation by keeping away from corruption). -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with