In light with the upcoming Hari Raya season, the Anti Corruption Bureau wishes to remind the public in particular public servants to exercise caution in the receiving of gifts and to ministries or departments, in the quest for obtaining prizes for “lucky draw” in their respective for “Hari Raya Gathering”, that they are governed by regulations and disciplinary procedures as contained in Public Services Commission (PSC) and the Penal Code.

1. Under Section 12 of the PSC which states that the officers and their families are prohibited from receiving presents (other than gifts of personal friends or relatives) whether in the shape of money, goods, free passages or other pecuniary benefit and from giving such presents. In view of this, should the gifts be accepted, he or she should immediately inform in writing to their supervisor regarding the acceptance of such gifts.

2. Under Section 165 of the Penal code states that in particular to whoever being a public servant accepts/obtains/agrees/attempts to obtain for himself or for any other person any valuable thing, without consideration of for a consideration which he knows to be inadequate from any person (official dealings) shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years and with fine. Furthermore if accepted as a gratification for corrupt intent or purposes, both the giver and the receiver can be penalized under Section 6 (a) and 6 (b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act which may lead to a fine of not more than $30,000 and to imprisonment for 7 years.

3. Under Section 14(c) of the PSC also states that an officer may not accept entertainment of any kind from any person, if by the acceptance of such entertainment would bring a conflict between his official duties and the interest of such persons.

Should there be any queries on this subject matter; the public is encouraged to call to our office at 2383575.