Press Releases

Oversight bodies, that are independent and with unblemished integrity, must be the cornerstone of Commissions like SPR, MACC, SUHAKAM and others.
The recent exposé on the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission Chief (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki, by a journalist Lalitha Kunaratnam last year, has shocked the nation, as there are still lingering, unanswered questions. If any doubts are leveled at the leadership of MACC, an open and honest investigation is the only way to clear these allegations. MACC is the body mandated to monitor corruption in our country, and it is within their jurisdiction to investigate and eliminate corruption, and to work closely with whistleblowers who provide them with proof of corrupt dealings.

Any possible conflict of interest cannot be allowed to fester in such institutions. Immediate, and concrete actions must be taken by the authorities. We await the open, transparent and credible investigation by the Securities Commission and the Police. While anyone has the right to pursue the course of justice to clear his name and integrity, we are of the view that whistleblowers should be protected and helped by MACC, and not be intimidated with a retaliatory lawsuit instead as is the case now.

This MACC scandal and the recent theft of recovered money by senior officers amongst others has proven that there is rot and decay in this Institution. It has destroyed the public’s confidence in MACC. It is time in modern Malaysia to reform and ensure oversight bodies like the MACC and all other institutions such as SUHAKAM, the Election Commission and others remain absolutely independent.

At every layer of the organisation, only professionals and persons of integrity with the courage to carry out its mandate without fear or favour must be appointed through an independent process, away from government interference. It is time to bring back public confidence in these institutions, and for the government to wake up to this call.

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