CM: Disciplinary action against govt servants hampered by red tape
12/05/2008 The Star

PENANG: In disciplinary cases involving civil servants, the perpetrators often escape unpunished due to government procedures, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Citing a recent example, he said officers in the land scam involving “tens and tens of millions of ringgit” were still working in the state Land Office.

“No action was taken against them. Isn’t that a travesty of justice or a breach of public trust? This is just the tip of the iceberg.

“I will reveal other cases as time goes by,” he told newsmen after flagging off the Rotary Charity Golf Tournament at Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club yesterday.

He said the internal inquiry into the land scam would take time to complete, adding that some of the witnesses had also retired.

Lim said the Federal Government should review and reduce the red tape involved in handling these disciplinary cases.

“It is almost impossible to sack them. There are too many rules. If we want to be efficient, we must use an effective mechanism.

“They are servants of the people and should not take the law unto themselves. I have been told me that the only way to transfer such people is to promote them.”

Lim said disciplinary procedures must be speedy, effective and proportionate with the misdeed.