Title
Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy (hereinafter referred to as “Policy”)
2) Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to:
- set out the responsibilities of WHITMAN, and of those working for WHITMAN, in observing and upholding WHITMAN’s position on bribery and corruption; and
- provide information and guidance to those working for WHITMAN on how to recognize and deal with bribery and corruption issues.
3) Our Principles
3.1 We conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. Whitman take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our relationships and business dealings wherever we operate and to implementing and enforcing effective system to counter bribery.
3.2 We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption. We remain bound by the laws of the Malaysia, including Anti-Corruption Act 1997 (ACT 575), in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad.
3.3 Corruption and bribery are criminal offences and are punishable for individuals by up to ten years’ imprisonment and unlimited fine, and if the Company is found to have taken part in corruption we could face an unlimited fine and face damage to our reputation.
3.4 In this Policy “third party” means any individual or organization we come into contract with at work, and includes actual and potential customers, supplies, distributors, business contacts, agents, advisers, consultants, subcontractors and joint ventures partners.
3.5 To address these risks we have taken the following steps:-
- 3.5.1 Implement an anti-corruption and bribery policy;
- 3.5.2 Perform regular corruption risk assessment on our operations and review findings;
- 3.5.3 Take steps to implement training programmes for all individual operating in areas of the organization that are identified as high risk; and
- 3.5.4 Regular review and update to this Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy.
4) Definitions
4.1 Bribe – Anything of value given in an attempt to affect a person’s actions or decision in order to gain or retain a business advantage. Anything of value includes cash, entertainment or other gifts or courtesies.
4.2 Corruption – The misuse of a public office or power for private gain or the misuse of private power in relation to business outside the realm of government.
4.3 Facilitation Payments – Small sums, unofficial payment made to secure or expedite a routine government action by a government official.
4.4 Kickbacks – The return of a sum already paid or due as a reward for awarding of furthering business.
5) Scope
This Policy applies to all parties within the WHITMAN. This includes all individual working at all levels and grades, including senior managers, managers, officers, directors, employees (whether full-time, part-time, contract or temporary), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staffs, volunteers, interns, agents, sponsors, suppliers, customers, any thirds party and any other person associated with us.
6) Gifts, Entertainment and Hospitality
6.1 WHITMAN’s policy and practice encourage the use of good judgment, discretion, and moderation when giving or accepting gifts or entertainment in business settings. Gift giving and entertainment practices may vary in different cultures; however, any gifts and entertainment given or received must be in compliance with law, must not violate the giver’s and/or receiver’s policies on the matter, and be consistent with local custom and practice. We do not solicit gifts, entertainment, or favors of any value from persons or firms with which WHITMAN actually or potentially does business. Nor do we act in a manner that would place any vendor or customer in a position where he or she may feel obligated to make a gift, provide entertainment, or provide personal favors to do business or continue to do business with WHITMAN.
6.2 All Benefits (including Gifts and Entertainment) given or received must be in accordance with WHITMAN Gifts & Entertainment (G&E) Guidelines.
Gifts
The acceptance of gifts under inappropriate circumstances may also amount to Bribery and/or a criminal act. Accepting gifts may be a crime under the MACCA, which provides that a person shall be guilty of an offence if he or she corruptly receives or gives a Gratification (whether in the form of cash, employment, business opportunities, favours or otherwise) as an inducement or reward to a person to do or not to do any act. To avoid the reality, the appearance that business judgement may be improperly influenced or compromised and to protect the staff from any perception of improper conduct or conflicts of interest, employees should observe the following guidelines when deciding whether or not to accept gifts.
- Gifts valued at Ringgit Malaysia RM500.00 and above, regardless an individual item or accumulated in value, are expected to be declared.
- Where circumstances make it impossible, difficult or impractical to reject gift or where the rejection of the gift may affect the relationship with the customers or business associates (other than cash or cash equivalent) or rejecting them is deemed as offensive given the local custom, you may accept the gift(s). If accepted, it is deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the Company and become the property of the Company. The use of the gift is to be determined by the Human Resource department.
- Consumables like food gifts and hampers at nominal value will not need to be declared but instead be shared within the company staff.
Entertainment
The employee should obtain approval from his or her supervisor for business entertainment extended to the employee. As a guide, business meals are acceptable. The following need not be declared:
- Annual dinner/ gala dinner/ cocktail events which are also attended by employees or other companies / organizations
- Working lunches and other meals including those following / preceding official meetings, and
- Invitations to official opening ceremonies / seminars
Business entertainment that might compromise the employee’s ability to or appear to hinder his or her duties in a professional manner should not be accepted. The following deemed inappropriate:
- Overseas trips in the form of paid holidays or holiday incentives;
- Accepting invites or tickets by the employee when the prospective host will not be present at the event with the employee.
If there are doubts as to whether business entertainment might create the appearance of any conflict or impropriety, these situations can be referred to Human Resource or to department head.
Business entertainment valued at Ringgit Malaysia RM500.00 and above, is expected to be declared. If the staff receive or provide entertainment when on an official business overseas trip, this should be treated in the same manner as entertainment received locally, and incurred in accordance with the Expense Reimbursement policy and procedure in the Employee Handbook.
Procedure
Gifts and business entertainment valued at Ringgit Malaysia RM 500.00 and above (individually or in total value) are expected to be declared. Employees are required to declare and fill in the Gifts and Entertainment Form. The Gifts and Entertainment Form is to be endorsed by the department head. The form and the gift are to be submitted to the Human Resource department. The form is to be kept and filed by Human Resource department. The access path for Gifts and Entertainment Form can be found in Employee Handbook.
6.3 All benefits (including Gifts and Entertainment) must be :-
- 6.3.1 Reasonable in value
- 6.3.2 Infrequent in nature
- 6.3.3 Transparent and open
- 6.3.4 Not given to influence or obtain an unfair advantage
- 6.3.5 Respectful and customary
7) Facilitation payments and Kickbacks
7.1 We do not make, and will not accept, facilitation payments or “kickbacks” of any kind.
7.2 Any individual with any suspicions, concerns or queries regarding a payment made on our behalf or improper business practices, he/she should raise these by informing the management.
8) Donations and Political Contribution
8.1 WHITMAN does not make charitable donations or contributions to political parties. Whilst employees are permitted to make personal political contributions, WHITMAN will not make any reimbursement for these personal political contributions back to its employees.
8.2 Contributions or donations made by WHITMAN to community projects or charities need to be made in good faith and in compliance with WHITMAN Code of Ethics, this Anti-Corruptions Policy and all relevant WHITMAN’s policies and procedures.
8.3 WHITMAN funds, services, property, facilities or employee time cannot be used for or contributed to any political party or candidate for public office without approval by the management.
9) Procurement Process
9.1 WHITMAN had processes and adheres to the system of internal controls around supplier selection. Supplier selection should never be based on receipt of a gift, hospitality or payment. When supplier selection is formal, structured invitation for the supply of goods and services (often called a “tender”), it is most important we maintain documentation supporting our internal controls.
9.2 A tender process includes an invitation for other parties to make a proposal, on the understanding that any competition for the relevant contract must be conducted in response to the tender, no parties having the unfair advantage of separate, prior, close-door negotiations for the contract where a bidding process is open to all qualified bidders and where the sealed bids are in the open for scrutiny and are chosen on the basis of price and quality.
9.3 Due diligence of new suppliers in supplier selection should include elements of corruption including bribery.
10) Responsibilities
10.1 WHITMAN takes corruption and bribery very seriously. Any violation of this Policy will be regarded as serious matter by the Company and is likely to result in disciplinary action, including termination, consistent with local law.
10.2 The Board has oversight of this Policy and the MD is responsible for ensuring the compliance with this Policy. Every employee and manager is required to be familiar with and comply with this Policy.
10.3 Bribery is a criminal offense. An employee will be accountable whether he/she pays a bribe himself/herself or whether he/she authorizes, assists, or conspires with someone else to violate an anti-corruption or anti-bribery law. Punishment for violating the law are against him/her as an individual and may include imprisonment, probation, mandated community service and significant monetary fines which will not be paid by WHITMAN.
10.4 Employee must notify his/her manager as soon as possible if he/she believes or suspect that a conflict with this Policy has occurred, or may occur in future. For example, if a customer or potential customer offers him/her something to gain a business advantage with us, or indicates to him/her that a gift or payment is required to secure their business. Further indications that may point towards bribery or corruption are set out in Schedule 1.
11) Record-keeping
11.1 WHITMAN must keep financial records and have appropriate internal controls in place which will evidence that business reason for making payments to third parties.
11.2 Ensure all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or entertainment incurred to third parties are submitted in accordance with WHITMAN Reimbursement Policy.
11.3 All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to dealings with third parties, such as customers, supplies and business contracts, should be prepared and maintained with strict accuracy and completeness. No accounts must be kept “off-book” to facilitate or conceal improper payments.
12) Protection
12.1 Workers who refuse to accept or offer a bribe or those who raise concerns or report another’s wrongdoing, are sometimes worries about possible repercussions. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this Policy even if they turn out to be mistaken.
13) Training and Communication
13.1 All existing workers operating in areas that are perceived as high risk will receive regular, relevant training on how to implement and adhere to this Policy.
13.2 Our zero-tolerance approach to corruption and bribery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors, agents, business and other partners at the outset of our relationship with them and as appropriate thereafter.
14) Monitoring and Review
14.1 All workers are responsible for the success of this Policy and should ensure they use it to disclose any suspected danger or wrongdoing.
14.2 Internal control systems and procedures will be subject to regular audits to provide assurance that they are effective in countering corruption and bribery.