THE approach of law enforcement to prevent corruption must change over time, in line with national progress, economic and political developments, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki.

He said the MACC, which is into its 54th year, needed such an approach to be implemented immediately so that the country would not be left behind in enforcement of corruption laws and be on par with developed countries.

“The MACC needs to find a more focused strategic action plan so that enforcement can create an impact on the community, especially in cases involving leakage of government funds.

“Presently, there are no laws that can be used against those who control project procurement and the MACC has proposed to include a new legal provision to the MACC Act 2009 on the responsibility to disclose beneficial ownership,” he said.

Azam said through these laws, project crimes could be curbed, which would help reduce leakage and misuse of government funds.

In addition, Azam said, the commission would also focus on corruption in the procurement, enforcement and grand corruption involving high-profile individuals.

“Our aim is to help the country reduce leakage of public funds, because they must be well-managed… so it is MACC’s duty to see that the funds do not disappear just like that.

“In terms of procurement, since 2020 there have been issues over projects, which resulted in the government incurring huge losses of hundreds of millions.

“We have also charged a businessman, who is believed to have been monopolising government projects and taking the rights of others,” he said.

Azam added that several government officials involved in the meat scandal were also arrested on suspicion of corruption.

Azam said grand corruption, which is corruption and abuse of power involving high-ranking individuals, was difficult to prosecute because suspects were cunning and difficult to track down.

“Therefore, nowadays if there are reports from the public, we will not take immediate action but instead conduct an analytical study on them… as a result, we have detained individuals who are from Jusa B and C grades after changing our approach,” he said.

As of last August, Azam said 331 civil servants comprising six senior managers, 104 middle management and professional level and support staff, were arrested for corruption.

Meanwhile, he said all parties, including heads of departments, agencies or ministries need to co-operate instead of leaving efforts to fight corruption to the MACC alone.

On the MACC’s 54th anniversary celebration this year, themed Enliven Integrity, Fight Corruption, Azam said cultivating the spirit of integrity must come first in fight against corruption. – Bernama, October 3, 2021.