Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said it was disappointing, seeing that the prime minister still had to address the “cancer of requesting commissions in government service”, despite repeated calls to combat it.

“Now, the bribe-givers themselves feel very comfortable if the officers ask for commissions. That’s the problem.

“If the officer asks, it should be reported directly. The problem now is that when officers ask, they (bribe-givers) feel very comfortable, (and) even want such things (bribery) to happen.

“There are parties who want to give (these bribes), as they want their application process to be expedited, regardless of the procedure,” he told FMT.

Yesterday, at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar said he had received reports of civil servants asking for commissions for various government projects.

He said it was difficult to get rid of this “old culture” established by previous governments.

Adnan urged those dealing with government departments who have been asked to give commissions to immediately report such incidents to the authorities.

“If the officers ask, those who deal with them must make a report, then this practice will not continue and there will be no more requests for bribes,” he said.