THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) success in exposing various abuses of power and corruption cases in recent weeks should receive the thumbs up from all of us.
It proves that the MACC is determined to ensure that the public sector is free from corruption by 2020, as pledged by MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad.
During the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration in December last year, Dzulkifli said MACC would eliminate corruption in the public and private sectors and government-linked companies in three years.
Recent arrests made by MACC have exposed how those given the responsibility and trust were involved in power abuse and graft.
It was disturbing to read about the arrest of 11 Immigration officers and staff in Sarawak recently to help in the investigation of corruption cases involving illegal immigrants who worked in the state.
At the same time, MACC had also arrested dozens of enforcement personnel, including police, for allegedly accepting bribes from illegal gambling and massage centres that are also associated with vice activities. The collection of branded items seized from the suspects showed that they were blinded by greed and were willing to neglect their responsibility, betray their trust and put the country’s safety and security at risk.
It seems that exposures made by the media have failed to deter those involved in the illegal activities at gambling and vice premises, which are mushrooming all over the country.
The latest arrests have proven that we are facing a situation as in the Malay proverb, “Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi”, which means that the enforcement personnel we trust has betrayed us for material gains.
We should accept the fact that corruption is the root cause for various problems, including vice, illegal gambling and smuggling activities, drugs and power abuse.
It is impossible for the authorities to eliminate all these illegal activities if the enforcement agencies have greedy people who are willing to accept bribes.
Such an irresponsible act will defeat the purpose of the enforcement agencies and make people lose their confidence in law enforcement.
We have no other options but to fully support MACC’s effort to eliminate corruption and those who are involved in corrupt practices must be brought to book.
I also agree with MACC’s action to confiscate all the proceeds of corruption and return them to the government. Such an action is necessary as it could help stop the culprits from using illegal proceeds to escape the law or allowing their family or syndicate members who are still at large to enjoy the proceeds.
Integrity among public servants is crucial as it is related to the administration, development and security of our country.
The public and non-governmental organisations should also play their role in combating corruption by lodging a report with MACC if they have information on graft and power abuse.
We have to remember that MACC’s effort to eliminate corruption in the country will never succeed if we do not play our role to fight graft effectively without fear or favour.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,
Senior vice-chairman, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, Kuala Lumpur