CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has issued a firm reminder to all civil servants to perform their duties with the highest level of integrity, honesty and professionalism, stressing that corruption and abuse of power will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He said corruption is a serious crime that undermines public trust, compromises decision-making and weakens the effectiveness of service delivery and project implementation for the people.
“Any form of abuse of power or corrupt practices is a criminal act that will be dealt with severely,” Chow said, welcoming the proactive stance taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in investigating complaints and bringing cases to court where necessary.
He added that disciplinary action at the departmental level will also be taken in accordance with existing regulations, even as criminal proceedings are pursued.
“This is an important reminder to all civil servants and administrative leaders that integrity is the backbone of public service.
“We must remain honest in delivering services and implementing projects so that corruption does not compromise outcomes meant for the rakyat,” he said.
Chow was commenting on recent updates related to corruption cases involving civil servants in Penang to reporters, following the state-level civil servants’ assembly held at Dewan Sri Pinang earlier this morning.
Earlier, Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long revealed that a total of 27 corruption cases involving civil servants were recorded in Penang in 2025, involving both state and federal agencies.
Out of the 27 cases, six involved Penang state civil servants, while the remaining cases involved federal departments.
Zulkifli said he has received official correspondence from the MACC requesting follow-up actions based on existing regulations.
“For cases that are proven in court, MACC will proceed accordingly.
“For matters involving disciplinary misconduct, the relevant departments will take appropriate action,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy clarified recent reports involving five arrests linked to a local authority.
He said that out of the five cases, three have been recommended for departmental action, one is under review by the Deputy Public Prosecutor, while one investigation is still ongoing.
Karunanithy also explained that figures highlighted previously were specific to cases involving the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), as they were mentioned during a programme conducted with the local authority.
Chow stressed that while investigations and complaints are expected each year, they should serve as a strong warning to all public servants to remain clean, efficient and trustworthy.
“Anything otherwise will compromise our decisions and weaken the effectiveness of service delivery and development projects for the people,” he said.
He also reiterated that integrity, transparency and accountability are non-negotiable values in safeguarding the dignity of the civil service and ensuring the people of Penang continue to receive honest and effective governance.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan