Empty Promises of Integrity: A Critique of Public Service Accountability

 

Here is a Daily Express news item dated 11.9.2025 and my thoughts. LINK

Article:

Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya urged civil servants, especially in technical departments, to act with urgency when addressing public complaints on road conditions and water supply.

My Thoughts:

The call for urgency in addressing public complaints rings hollow when I reflect on my own experience. The Malay proverb “Seperti ketam mengajar anak berjalan betul” (‘like a crab teaching its young to walk straight’) captures the hypocrisy here. I’ve raised concerns about the Vistana Heights project multiple times to Datuk Shahelmey. While he acknowledged my emails—unlike many other ministers and civil servants—acknowledgment alone doesn’t solve the problem. Action is what matters, and that’s been sorely lacking.

Article:

He said integrity in public service must be reflected not only in values but also in efficient action and communication.

My Thoughts:

Integrity in public service feels like an empty promise, especially with elections looming. The minister’s words seem crafted for public consumption rather than genuine reform. If integrity is truly a priority, why do we see so little of it in practice? Efficient action and communication remain distant ideals when complaints linger unresolved.

Article:

“Many complaints have been acted upon, but some take longer to resolve. I urge all public servants to embrace a sense of urgency in tackling issues and not wait until matters become critical before taking action,” Shahelmey said.

My Thoughts:

Urgency is a fine word, but where is it in practice? My repeated attempts to engage with authorities, including requests to meet the Director General of DBKK and the mayor, have been ignored. Reports of altered meeting minutes by the Director General further erode trust. If integrity is about action, the gap between rhetoric and reality is glaring.

Article:

He was officiating the Varsha Integriti Kementerian Kerja Raya Sabah at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). According to Shahelmey, the anti-corruption plans are not merely documents, but commitments that outline clear steps to ensure every decision is made fairly and transparently. “In public service, integrity is not just about individual attitudes but also about the systems and processes we use.

My Thoughts:

Fair and transparent decision-making? The evidence suggests otherwise. When meeting minutes are allegedly altered and requests for dialogue with key officials go unanswered, what systems and processes is the minister referring to? These anti-corruption plans sound like bureaucratic posturing rather than actionable commitments.

Article:

On leadership, Shahelmey emphasised that integrity must begin at the top. “A transparent and secure reporting mechanism must be provided so that staff can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. This culture shows that the organisation values honesty and courage in defending integrity,” he added. Shahelmey also reminded agencies to strengthen communication with the public.

My Thoughts:

If integrity must begin at the top, where is the accountability from the highest levels? Neither the mayor nor the chief minister has responded to my emails, and responsibility is routinely deflected. A transparent reporting mechanism sounds ideal, but without responsive leadership, it’s an empty promise. The disconnect between these lofty words and the reality of ignored complaints undermines any talk of a culture of honesty.