What is the Code of Conduct?
Professionalism and ethical conduct are essential in the engineering profession. In Malaysia, the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) has established a Code of Conduct for registered persons, which sets out the expectations and standards of behavior for engineers, technologists, and inspectors of works. This blog will provide an overview of the key aspects of the Code of Conduct, its importance, and what it entails for those registered under the BEM.
The Code of Conduct, issued by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), is a set of guidelines and ethical standards that registered engineers, technologists, and inspectors of works must adhere to in their professional practice. This Code is designed to ensure that registered persons maintain high standards of integrity, competence, and responsibility in their work, thereby upholding the public trust and the reputation of the engineering profession in Malaysia.
Objectives of the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct serves several key objectives:
- Maintain Professional Integrity: Ensure that all registered persons conduct themselves with honesty, fairness, and respect for others in all professional activities.
- Uphold Public Safety: Prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public in all engineering practices.
- Promote Professional Competence: Encourage continuous professional development and adherence to high standards of technical knowledge and skill.
- Foster Accountability: Ensure that registered persons are accountable for their actions and decisions, and that they report any unethical behavior or violations of the Code.
Key Principles of the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct outlines specific principles and guidelines that registered engineers, technologists, and inspectors of works must follow. These principles include:
1. Professional Integrity and Honesty
Registered persons must not falsify qualifications or misrepresent their experience and responsibilities in previous assignments. They must be truthful in all professional reports, statements, and testimonies, ensuring that all relevant and pertinent information is included.
Table 1: Principles of Professional Integrity
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Falsification of Qualifications | Registered persons must not falsify their qualifications or allow misrepresentation. |
| Accuracy of Reports | Reports and statements must be accurate and include all relevant information. |
| Responsiveness | Registered persons must respond in a timely manner to communications from BEM or relevant authorities. |
2. Competence and Responsibility
Registered engineers must only undertake assignments for which they are qualified by education and experience. They must also ensure that they have control over the supervision of work before certifying its completion.
Table 2: Competence and Responsibility
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Undertaking Assignments | Engineers must only accept assignments within their area of expertise. |
| Supervision of Work | Engineers must supervise or have control over work before certifying its completion. |
| Certification of Work | Certification should only occur if the engineer is satisfied that the work meets design and specification requirements. |
3. Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest
Registered persons must maintain the confidentiality of information obtained during the course of their work, unless disclosure is required by law or is in the public interest. They must also disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect their judgment or the quality of their services.
Table 3: Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | Information should not be disclosed without prior consent, unless legally required. |
| Conflict of Interest | All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to all relevant parties. |
4. Professional Accountability
If a registered engineer’s professional advice is overruled in a manner that could endanger public safety or welfare, they are obligated to notify their employer or client and other relevant authorities. Registered persons must also report any violations of the Code or applicable laws to the appropriate bodies.
Table 4: Professional Accountability
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Overruled Advice | Engineers must report if their advice is overruled in a way that endangers public safety. |
| Reporting Violations | Any known violations of the Code or law must be reported to the relevant authorities. |
Responsibilities of Different Registered Persons
The Code of Conduct is applicable to various categories of registered persons, each with specific responsibilities:
1. Professional Engineers with Practicing Certificate (PEPC)
Professional Engineers with Practicing Certificate must ensure the accuracy of the facts and data before signing any statements or claims. They are also responsible for certifying work only if they have control over its supervision and must act truthfully and objectively in all professional matters.
2. Graduate Engineers
Graduate Engineers are expected to adhere to the same principles of integrity and competence as Professional Engineers. They must keep proper records of their work and ensure that they do not sign or certify documents unless they have supervised or witnessed the work.
3. Engineering Technologists
Engineering Technologists must not falsify qualifications or misrepresent their roles in previous assignments. They are also required to ensure the accuracy of information before endorsing any statements or claims.
4. Inspectors of Works
Inspectors of Works must maintain accurate records of their participation in site activities and must not issue approvals for work they have not witnessed or inspected. They are also required to report any non-compliance with specifications or standards to the relevant authorities.
Flowchart: Reporting and Addressing Violations of the Code of Conduct
To ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct, the following flowchart outlines the process for reporting and addressing violations:
Flowchart: Reporting Violations
- Violation Identified:
- A registered person identifies a potential violation of the Code or applicable law.
- Internal Reporting:
- The violation is reported to the employer or relevant professional bodies.
- The registered person cooperates with investigations and provides necessary information.
- External Reporting (if necessary):
- If the violation is severe or involves public safety, it is reported to public authorities.
- The registered person may be required to provide additional testimony or documentation.
- Investigation and Resolution:
- The relevant authority investigates the reported violation.
- Corrective actions or sanctions are implemented based on the findings.
- Follow-up:
- The registered person is informed of the outcome, and any necessary changes are made to prevent future violations.
Importance of Adhering to the Code of Conduct
Adhering to the Code of Conduct is crucial for maintaining the trust and credibility of the engineering profession. It ensures that registered persons uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior, contribute to public safety and welfare, and maintain the integrity of their professional practice.
Conclusion: Upholding Professionalism in Engineering
The Code of Conduct for registered engineers, technologists, and inspectors of works is a fundamental document that guides professional behavior in Malaysia. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, registered persons can ensure that they conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities of their profession.
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