PETALING JAYA: In an effort to drive and strengthen the Transport Ministry as an aspiring and corrupt-free organisation of integrity, the ministry has launched a book highlighting its policies.

       Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the initiative included the publication and implementation of the anti-bribery policy statement, Corruption Risk Management (CRM) Plan, the Transport Ministry Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) 2020 to 2025 and the ministry’s MS Licensing ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS).

       “Through the publication of the Anti-Corruption Management System and Code of Ethics policy book, we hope to continue the Transport Ministry’s efforts in addressing issues of governance, integrity and corruption more effectively.

       “The Anti-Corruption Management System and Code of Ethics policy book will be a source of reference and guidance to everyone in the ministry as well as all stakeholders in dealing with any form of deviation, abuse of power and corruption in the ministry.

       “The Transport Ministry’s Anti-Corruption policy has outlined the vision, mission, anti-corruption plans and monitoring mechanism as well as performance guidelines to be achieved in eradicating corruption in the ministry,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday after attending the book launch ceremony.

       Dr Wee added that the book highlights the scope of responsibilities and clearly states the ministry’s objectives in strengthening the principles of best management, and cultivating transparency, accountability and integrity among ministry staff.

       “It can be implemented through a strategy via the use of the Eliminate, Reduce, Raise and Create model.

       “The ministry is preparing to achieve MS ISO 37001:2016 ABMS.

       “In the planning of major projects and governance issues, the Transport Minister always gets insights and guidance from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

       “The image and integrity of the ministry has to be upheld for the sake of good and transparent governance,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Dr Wee expressed his gratitude to the support from MACC towards the ministry’s efforts to strengthen the level of management, eliminate misuse of power and corruption as well as misdemeanours in the ministry and all the agencies under it.

       He added that the launching of the policy book is in line with November, which is the integrity month.

       Meanwhile, at a dinner to mark the 10th International Conference on the Straits of Malacca at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, the ministry emphasised the importance of the maritime route.

       Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong, in reading out Dr Wee’s speech at the event, said that ensuring the straits remains safe and secure in providing an uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic is a major responsibility of not only the littoral states but also the international community.

       He added that the pandemic has brought about new challenges and that a multi-nation response is key to protect, enhance resilience, and support an economic recovery crucial to stabilising the maritime supply chains.

       “Being strategically situated in the crossroads of this heart of confluence, the Straits of Malacca must be shielded from geopolitical rivalries and other threats that may compromise its position as a safe and secure waterway,” he said.