THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) hopes that its total strength would be increased to 5,000 as had been promised since its establishment in 2008.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said MACC had a current total strength of 2,800 personnel, and this shortage was an obstacle for the agency in discharging its duties.

“At the time of transformation from the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to MACC nine years ago, the government had agreed to raise the total personnel to at least 5,000 to emulate the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong, but until now, the figure has yet to be reached.

“This is among the factors why the MACC is facing obstacles in carrying out enforcement and investigation, as well as conducting campaigns and educational programmes on corruption,” he said at a round table held in conjunction with 50th anniversary of the graft-busting agency last night.

More than 30 people from various groups met to discuss and share opinion on issues pertaining to corruption and abuse of power in the country. – Bernama, October 7, 2017.