Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa has urged all employees of government-linked companies to adhere strictly to the principles of integrity in the performance of their duties.

He said that though he always gave advice and emphasised the element of integrity in his speech, there were still some who strayed into corruption.

"Integrity is the most important element of all, and it must be supported by all civil servants and GLC employees," he said to reporters after attending the Asia Pacific for You (APAC4U) programme at the Puspanita Kemas Nursery and Puspanita Permata Nursery of the Prime Minister's Department here today.

Ali was asked to comment on the remand of a former GLC director for seven days from yesterday to assist in the probe into abuse of power and accepting a bribe of over RM39.9 million.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Ali said APAC4U had created opportunities for volunteers of different backgrounds to share their experience and impart their knowledge to their peers, while allowing them to gain a hands-on experience of carrying out various volunteer activities in Malaysia including beautifying and revamping the Puspanita Permata Nursery and Puspanita Kemas Nursery here.

"Malaysia is proud to host such a great programme that brings young people from various countries around Asia Pacific together for volunteering. In line with the objective of ASEAN, APAC4U hopes to accelerate the economic and social growth of the people.

"I would also encourage you to share any wonderful ideas you may have with me or iM4U. Make change and do good wherever you are. This programme is merely a minor step in the changes you make in your home country," he said.

iM4U is a catalyst that empowers and builds resilient Malaysian youths with engaging, unconventional and inspiring activities.

APAC4U aims to be a volunteer network programme that fosters and strengthens the spirit of volunteerism among youth in the Asia Pacific nations.

A total of 90 people from 14 countries including Australia, China, India, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines took part in various volunteer activities. -- BERNAMA