Sex favours: Sabah Dept head is transferred out

Kota Kinabalu: A Sabah Government department head who was suspected of asking for a bribe in the form of sexual favours has been transferred out from his current position with immediate effect.

State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong (pic) said such action was taken following a media report on March 20 (Saturday) about an arrest of a department head at district level for allegedly committing the offence.

He said the State Government places serious emphasis on the integrity and conduct of state civil servants, as explained in the Sabah State Public Officers Regulations (PPPANS) 2008. 

“Accordingly, officers who violate any rules or engage in any activity that is contrary to the rules and laws will be taken action immediately in accordance with the rules and laws.

“Hence, the concerned officer will be transferred immediately while waiting for further proceedings to be taken by the authorities. 

“The Sabah Public Service Department (JPANS) will provide full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) whic is carrying out the investigation,” Safar said.

He said the State Government is strongly committed to addressing such issues to increase public confidence in the integrity of civil servants and the transparency of departmental service delivery.

The media reported that the 51-year-old man who is based in Keningau was arrested by MACC Sabah at a hotel in Keningau at 3.30pm on Friday.

It is believed that the suspect asked for the sexual favours from a woman who is applying for an agriculture loan.