PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remains on the right track despite its many naysayers, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has said ahead of the agency’s 58th anniversary today.
Azam said public confidence towards MACC has doubled over the past decade, citing findings from a recent study — Resident Module of the Malaysian Corruption Study (MaCoS) — done by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
He said growing public understanding and endorsement for MACC stemmed from the agency’s continued operational success in tackling large-scale corruption and syndicated crimes nationwide, while increasingly shifting focus towards public education.
“Maybe some of you might slightly disagree but to me, we are on the right track for the present time,” he said in a special media interview here.
As of July 31, Azam said MACC has opened a total of 728 investigation papers.
Of these, 109 were classified as high-profile, public-interest, and sensitive cases (HPPIS) while 619 were regular cases.
A further breakdown showed a total of 280 cases involving private agencies, followed by the federal government (198), civilians (104), state governments (95), statutory bodies (38) and GLCs and politicians (13).
The top five offences were false claims (251 cases) followed by receiving bribes (239) abuse of position (89), money laundering (54), and giving bribes (47).
As of August 31, 906 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of corruption, with 308 prosecuted and 135 convicted.
He stressed that MACC has never closed any old cases regardless of when investigations started. However, files may be reopened after obtaining new information or evidence.
“This is not done on the orders of any parties because this is in line with our policy to act without fear or favour. If there is a case, we proceed; if there isn’t’, we don’t.
“If any person wishes to dispute, that is their right because not all cases can be proven but we strive to take the best option available in the interest of the people,” he said.
Azam then pointed to the recent prosecutions linked to the Maju Expressway Extension Project (MEX II) corruption case as proof of MACC’s commitment to pursue investigations despite public outcry over alleged delay and inaction.
“We are not supermen but we proved that within four months we can complete the investigation and this is proof of our dedication in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to us.
“So I do hope the public continues to support us and the aforementioned signs of public approval are indeed there,” he said.
Moving forward, Azam said MACC has never wavered in its duty to ensure corrupt individuals are brought to justice and that stolen monies are recovered for the people’s benefit.
“I have a saying: if I were to investigate a criminal who has stolen public funds, I will make sure they are bankrupt and unable to enjoy their ill-gotten gains,” he added.
