THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has been accused of becoming a tool of the previous administration. Its stalled investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds at SRC International Sdn Bhd and 1Malaysia Development Bhd have affected its reputation. But with the formation of a new government after the 14th General Election, Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull shares with ILAH HAFIZ AZIZ his plans to restore the graft-busting agency’s integrity
Question: Why is MACC using the theme ‘Despise Corruption, Uphold Dignity’ in its 51st anniversary celebration, even though it has been used in previous years?
Answer: Based on current developments, I believed now is the right time to bring back the theme.
We must look at corruption in a broader perspective. Corruption is the root of many crimes and social ills, including prostitution, gambling, firearms smuggling and road accidents.
Absolute corruption can also crippled a country’s administration, subsequently destroying the nation’s economy.
These are national threats that many people are not aware of.
The theme is chosen after considering the country’s image, which has been badly affected by the 1MDB scandal.
MACC’s reputation is also tarnished as if the commission is being complicit in the case.
The impact (from the 1MDB scandal) is massive, to an extent that the people are ashamed because it seems like Malaysia is condoning corrupt practices.
Hence, MACC has again chosen the theme “Despise Corruption, Uphold Dignity” to remind people that graft is morally disgusting.
It is committed to restore and elevate the image and dignity of the nation.
Q: Can you share the challenges faced by MACC?
A: Our greatest challenge is getting people to cooperate in the fight against corruption.
There are certain quarters in society, whose loyalties lie with their respective political parties.
Some of them will accuse MACC of having an agenda when it summons their (political) leaders for questioning.
Instead of asking whether their leaders are really involved in corruption, these groups will fanatically support them.
In other countries like Indonesia, the people and politicians will support all the graft-busting efforts by their Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi.
However, in Malaysia, the MACC will be criticised when it launches an investigation into certain leaders or cases.
Q: Besides educating people, what other efforts are MACC taking to restore its image?
A: MACC used to be respected on the world stage.
The commission was recognised by international bodies for having the best practices in tackling graft and corrupt activities.
Apart from receiving invitations to share our expertise, there were foreign agencies that send their officers to be trained at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy But lately, MACC has become less active at the international level, and it is in the process of reversing that situation.
At the moment, the commission is actively engaging four international organisations to forge collaborations — the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the International Anti-Corruption Academy, The Southeast Asia Parties Against Corruption and the United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime.
MACC, in this collaborative forum, will share its experience in handling cases like 1MDB.
Q: It is learnt that MACC’s staff nationwide is fewer than 2,000, and its assets are outdated.
How will this situation affect its capabilities?
A: We are really shorthanded with only 500 investigating officers nationwide.
At the same time, I have to look after the welfare of my charges.
I am concerned that they will be demoralised with too much work, which affects their performance.
People place high hopes on MACC. If there is a case, they want investigations to be completed as soon as possible.
They must understand that it is not easy to investigate a corruption case. We have to work according to facts. We cannot rely solely on perception and hearsay.
I hope MACC will be equipped with new assets as this is important considering the sophisticated ploys adopted by graft offenders to evade the law.
It has been quite sometime since MACC received new assets.
The present assets are outdated and I do not want the commission to be left behind.
Q: Any significant achievements since you assumed the chief commissioner’s post four months ago?
A: MACC has arrested 336 suspects, and 95 of them have been prosecuted in the last four months.
During the same period, we have confiscated assets and frozen the accounts belonging to suspects and groups amounting to RM2.5 billion.
Q: What is your view on the Pakatan Harapan government, which introduced the ‘New Malaysia’ concept?
A: I noticed there is a difference between the old and current administration.
I also noticed the efforts and commitment by the present government in honouring its promise for good governance, which is free from corruption.
This is reflected in the anti-corruption initiatives introduced, including mandatory asset declaration for cabinet members and members of parliament, which the public can access (on MACC ’s website).
The government has also opened a National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption and formed a Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption apart from committing to the formulation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan.
The government has agreed to empower the MACC Act 2009.
It was announced that ministers and deputy ministers were no longer allowed to issue letters of support for any tender or proposals in government projects.
Q: What are the efforts undertaken to reduce graft among office bearers?
A: The current leaders are new since they only assumed their positions in the government around four to five months ago.
Therefore, the opportunity or “window” for any quarters to commit corruption is very limited, especially when the top leadership of this new government is promoting the “No Corruption” mantra.
On our part, MACC has repeatedly emphasised that it is here to find and close loopholes, disabling avenues for corruption to sneak in and rear its ugly head in the country’s administration.
I want to remind outsiders that I will not allow any form of interference in MACC’s work.
I do not want history to repeat itself.
Q: Is there anything you want to relay to the people, who regard MACC as a bulwark against corruption?
A: The people must nurture a patriotic spirit and love for the nation by rejecting corruption.
MACC hopes that the people will continue to become our “eyes and ears” in our fight against corruption.
It appreciates the people’s support and prayers and the commission will istiqamah (stay consistent) as an independent body.
MACC welcomes constructive criticism so it can do a better job.
Without the people’s support, its efforts to combat corruption will be derailed and become meaningless.