Honesty in civil servants a matter of nurture, not signature

Although he means well, I disagree with the writer’s suggestion in the letter “Civil servants should sign annual declaration of honesty” (Jan 17). That civil servants can be expected to be kept honest by a simple annual declaration may sound a bit far-fetched.

Honesty and other values such as faithfulness should be inculcated during a person’s formative years, at home and in school.

By setting good examples, parents and teachers can play a pivotal role in nurturing the right values to motivate the young to be upright. Teach a child how he should live and he will remember it for life.