Mr X is a project engineer for a project contracted to Y company owned by Mr Z.

Mr
Z told Mr X that he is ordering latest model of electronic gadget for his company staff
and he can get a set for Mr X at the company discounted price. Mr X agrees and
pays on delivery. Did Mr X breach the IEM Regulations of Professional Conduct?

It is the responsibility of every engineer to give highest regard to his profession and
conduct himself with integrity when executing his tasks. Discuss this statement in
detail within the context of the Malaysian environment.

(The following write-up was prepared (written) by Mr. BAY prior to his sitting for PI on Feb 2014. It is
shared here for reference of other candidates.)

Introduction

In Malaysia, when dealing with contractor and subcontractor, it is often unavoidable

to have close and routine liaison with them. It is often some sort of habits such as gift
hampers, petrol allowance, provision of cars, vouchers, some sort of benefits and
discount for purchase orders are always seemed normal and not a trait or
significant matters that may involve some sort of inappropriate intention and conflict
of interests.

However, as engineers, we shall always conduct ourselves responsibly, ethically and

sincerely. In course of works, we make sure works being carried out and delivered to
meet the intended use, quality and required specification. As such, we shall receive
remuneration and benefits only from our employer and not others. It is essential to
avoid inappropriate actions or decisions during discharging our duties to employer.

For the case of Engineer X to accept the offer, by Mr. Z, the latest model of an
electronic gadget, at a discounted price, is seemed a bit breaching the IEM
regulations on Professional Conduct. It is because the discounted price indeed can
be considered a valuable consideration. Though the engineer X is contracted to Y
company owned by Mr. Z, engineer X is already accepting remuneration from his
employer who contracting him to Y company for the project. He shall not accept
financial and benefits from more than one party for the same project. If Mr. Z
appreciate engineer X for his efforts in the project, he could still make such offer but
it is more appropriate to offer via his employer to engineer X.

For the working environment, the habits could sometime affect the effectiveness of
instruction/ command when we are discharging our routine duties if we have taken
some sort of benefits from another, except it is stipulated inside contract of
employment.

Engineer shall be honest when discharging his duties

As an engineer, we shall be honest when carrying out our routine works in work
place. We shall not expect benefits in any kind from others except from our
employer. Our firm standing of not accepting any kind of benefits other than from our
employer could help us dealing with others confidently and earn their cooperation in
getting works completed without jeopardizing the quality.

Engineer shall uphold the dignity of the profession

Engineers are needed to perform their duties with integrity. Engineer take care the
work quality, safety and environment. Engineers shall not accept commission and
request commission or other similar financial consideration except their stipulated
fee and wages as per employment contract. It is important to safeguard the good
image, professionalism of the profession and ensure the career a sustainable one.

Engineer shall ensure his work meet the needs, specification, no danger

Without taking benefits from others, engineer and other members in the industry can
cooperate and make the project completed in a truthful way. For all projects, it is
priority to ensure work quality to follow design specification and meet intended use.

Engineer shall accept only remuneration, fees and benefit of his employer

Unless the benefits are stipulated into employment contract prior to commencement
of work, engineers shall not accept unstated kind of benefits. It is important for
engineers to carry duties with integrity.

Conclusion

A Registered Engineer shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable

consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work
for which he is responsible unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed
by all interested parties.