Police Attend Anti-Corruption Talk
By Grace Jiu

Bandar Seri Begawan - A talk on `Corruption and its Consequences' was held at the Police Continuous Learning Centre in Beribi, Gadong. Guest speaker at the function was Awg Salamat bin Liman, Acting Senior Special Investigator of the Anti Corruption Bureau. About 30 police officers in charge of road traffic cases from across the country attended the talk.

The seminar aimed to prevent corruption by emphasising the immense importance of upholding integrity in the Royal Brunei Police Force.

According to Awg Salamat, the extent of corruption in the police force is still minimal compared to other countries, but he stressed that corruption in the police force would tarnish its integrity as a whole and mar national stability and pride. It would also stigmatise the corrupted person's family.

Corruption was described as the abuse of power to obtain personal gains arising from greed or desire to get rich fast. Corrupt activities by an employee destabilise an organisation.

Unlike other crimes corruption is difficult to stamp out due to its secretive nature. Generally only the giver and receiver of bribes would know of the crime. He said the high power vested in police meant chances for corruption was high and integrity was paramount.

Attendees were told to deliver excellent public service and never abuse public trust. They were also reminded to always be honest, have moderate material wants and uphold the integrity of the police and the nation's image.

In December 2003, the Anti Corruption Bureau of Brunei signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Merida, Mexico.

The convention made clear that in order to succeed in UN's efforts to stamp out corruption, the support and involvement of the civil community, including the private sector, were immensely important. The Anti Corruption Bureau, Brunei has been in operation since February 1, 1982 and one important mission of the bureau is to uphold integrity in the public service.

The seminar is a regular programme organised as a continuous drive in the prevention of corruption. Rulers with the wordings "Rule Out Corruption" were also distributed to participants of the seminar.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with