16.2.5 University principles on corruption and bribery

Pengenalan Tatatertib Pekerja

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) enforces a stringent framework for integrity and professional conduct to uphold its commitment against all forms of organized crime, corruption, and bribery. This commitment is formally enshrined within the Tatatertib Pekerja UTM (UTM Employee Discipline Policy), which subjects all employees to the provisions of the Akta Badan-Badan Berkanun (Tatatertib dan Surcaj) 2000 (Akta 605). The policy establishes foundational principles that mandate employees must at all times "carry out duties efficiently, trustworthily (amanah) and responsibly" and prioritize public interest above their own personal interests.

Specific Commitments Against Corruption and Financial Malpractice

UTM's commitment is articulated through a series of specific prohibitions that directly target acts of corruption and financial misconduct:

1. Prohibition of Dishonesty and Misuse of Position (Anti-Corruption): The Code of Conduct strictly forbids any employee from being "not honest or not trustworthy (tidak jujur atau tidak amanah)". This principle is operationalized by prohibiting:

• The act of not reporting assets or investments.
• The use of a position for personal benefit, which includes using departmental vehicles, equipment, or staff for private matters.
• Behaving in a manner that allows personal interests to conflict with duties to the University.
• Favoring relatives or friends in considering applications or managing tenders/quotations when a personal connection exists.

2. Strict Prohibition on Bribery and Entertainment: To ensure absolute integrity, the policy outlines actions that are "Strictly Forbidden (Dilarang Sama Sekali)":

• Receiving or Giving Entertainment (Menerima/Memberi Keraian) is an act strictly prohibited under the regulations. This establishes a clear, zero-tolerance principle against bribery and undue influence via gifts or hospitality.
• Lending Money with Interest (Meminjamkan Wang Dengan Faedah) is also strictly forbidden, preventing internal loan sharking and exploitation of fellow employees.

3. Commitment Against Financial Vulnerability and Organized Crime: UTM addresses risks that can make employees susceptible to corruption or involvement in organized crime:

• Serious Financial Indebtedness: An employee is strictly forbidden from being in Serious Financial Indebtedness (Keterhutangan Kewangan yang Serius). This condition is formally defined as having unsecured debt that exceeds 10 times the monthly emolument, leading to a final salary balance of less than 40%. This commitment minimizes the financial pressure that could drive an employee to corruption.
• Illegal Activities: The policy prohibits involvement in activities that tarnish the university's name, including being convicted of a criminal or Sharia court offense, misusing drugs, and being involved in Lottery (Loteri).

In summary, the UTM Employee Discipline Policy provides a clear, published set of principles and commitments, enforced by statutory regulation, designed to preemptively and punitively address acts of corruption, bribery, financial malfeasance, and involvement in organized crime, reinforcing the University's ethical governance.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) embeds robust anti-corruption and anti-bribery principles within its statutory disciplinary framework under the Akta Badan-Badan Berkanun (Tatatertib dan Surcaj) 2000 (Akta 605), mandating employees to prioritize public interest, uphold university integrity, and face severe penalties including dismissal for corrupt acts. Prohibited conduct explicitly includes accepting or offering entertainment/gifts from parties with official dealings, conflicts of interest (e.g., favoring relatives in tenders or approvals), misuse of position for personal gain (such as using university vehicles or staff for private purposes), dishonesty, fraud, and failure to declare assets or investments. Serious financial indebtedness exceeding 10 times monthly emoluments is flagged as a corruption risk, triggering supervisory intervention. The policy commits to zero-tolerance enforcement through structured reporting via the Legal Advisory Office, disciplinary committees, and appeals processes, with department heads accountable for oversight. While not labeled as a standalone “anti-corruption policy,” these codified rules publicly accessible via UTM’s chancellery website constitute the university’s binding commitment to combat organized crime, corruption, and bribery, ensuring transparency, accountability, and deterrence across all staff levels

Source :

https://chancellery.utm.my/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/Tatatertib-Pekerja-UTM.pdf