No compromise on abuse of power, harassment, says Sabah minister

 By Olivia Miwil - October 22, 2021 @ 3:24pm

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Sabah government will not compromise on offences involving abuse of power, especially among its officials. - File pic.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government will not compromise on offences involving abuse of power, especially among its officials, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

His statement came on the heels of accusations by a former staff of Sabah Wildlife Department over a series of alleged sexual and monetary misconduct by a high ranking officer.

The ex-employee, in a Facebook post, had claimed that the officer had used derogatory remarks toward female coworkers, mistreated staff, neglected animal welfare and duties, among others.

She also shared WhatsApp messages of alleged inappropriate conversations from the said officer.

"The ministry will not compromise and will take action against staff who take advantage or misusing their authority.

"This is because the ministry prioritises safety, welfare and quality for its staff especially in practising integrity and high professionalism," Jafry said in a statement.

Jafry added that Sabah Wildlife Department had taken action against the officer on Oct 20 under Sabah State Public Officers Regulations No. 225 (2) for offenses under regulations 209 (2) (a) and 209 (2) (b) for making statements containing sexual harrassment elements in his Facebook page on Oct 18.

He also admitted that such incidents had tarnished the reputation of the state civil service.

As for the allegation of criminal breach of trust on Wildlife Protection Unit funds, the Wildlife Department had asked for clarification from Malaysian Palm Oil Council on March 8, 2019.

"Based on the report given, the usage of the money, apart from being used by the work unit, was approved based on the officer managing the finance.

"However, further actions will be taken against the officer soon," he added.

Yesterday, Society for Equality, Respect And Trust for All Sabah (SERATA) and the CSO Platform for Reform (Sabah Chapter) had issued a statement to urge the government to look into the issue.

It was endorsed by 38 Civil Society Organisations and 289 individuals including Sabah Wildlife working partners Danau Girang Field Centre, Friends of the Orangutans (Malaysia), Future Alam Borneo, Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam – Kuasa among others.