The civil servants’ union has wholeheartedly supported anti-corruption measures being proposed by former Premier Alex Scott.Kevin Grant, President of the Bermuda Public Services Union, said that Mr Scott’s proposed Public Integrity Act should be passed with certain caveats which “protect the worker” and put Bermuda before political agendas.“Political ramblings will have people questioning why, when and who is bringing it to the forefront,” Mr Grant said. “But does it really matter? Isn’t this something that most certainly needs to be implemented? This is not something that should be kicked about like a political football; this needs to happen.“This legislation is important because maladministration not only hampers the efficiency and quality of public services, it also undermines confidence in public institutions. Integrity in any organisation is important in establishing good practices and transparency, which is certainly appreciated by the public we serve.“Unions have a role to play in that we must be vigilant in assisting in the exposure of corruption. Unionised workers within the public sector are ideally placed to bring attention to maladministration or corruption however; civil servants must not be penalised by any detriment to their future employment or livelihood.“The BPSU wholeheartedly supports this important legislation but believe that there should be caveats within this legislation that protect the worker and puts the country first without any political agenda.”Mr Scott’s proposal would create an independent Anti-Corruption Commission with investigatory powers, strong penalties for corrupt behaviour among public officials and whistle-blower protection among a raft of other measures.Mr Scott has taken the unprecedented step of have the legislative proposals drafted for the consideration of Bermuda’s new parliament and sent a copy of the bill to the two political party leaders and the Governor.The proposed “Public Integrity Act” would give effect to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the world’s first global anti-corruption treaty which was adopted in 2003 and has been signed by 165 countries and regional groupings including the European Union.The bill was printed in full in this newspaper on January 11 and can also be found on our website.Government said it will consider Mr Scott’s suggestions as it moves on its own good governance reforms, but Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy criticised Mr Scott for failing to take action on improving governance while in office.Marc Bean Leader of the Opposition Progressive Labour Party said that he would share the proposed bill with his party’s caucus for discussion.