THE Home Ministry will submit the name of a National Registration Department (NRD) officer, who is accused of corruption and abuse of power, to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) later today. 

Its minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he had received a report on the officer, and will extend the identity of the officer to MACC.

“I have communicated with MACC chief Azam Baki earlier today, informing him about the case. 

“I will submit the name of the officer later today so that it would help MACC with its investigation,” Saifuddin told reporters today. 

Saifuddin said only one name was revealed to him so far.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly said some Immigration Department and NRD personnel were under investigation for suspected involvement in corruption and abuse of power.

The prime minister said he also received information that payments were imposed on eligible applicants to obtain the citizenship certificate.

Saifuddin did not divulge more information on the officer but alleged that a significantly “huge” amount was involved in the said case. 

Saifuddin stressed there will be no charges for approvals when dealing with NRD, especially on citizenships and birth certificates. 

“There is a committee to determine the merit of the documents submitted for applications on citizenship to be approved. 

“That committee will recommend whether such applications will be approved. So, if any officers call to inform the decision and ask for funds, ignore it. 

“That is not the practice here. And definitely that is not a practice under the Madani government that wants to eradicate corruption,” the home minister added. 

Yesterday, NRD’s director-general Zamri Misman said the department will not compromise on any corrupt practises or abuse of power and instead will remain committed to combating corruption by implementing various programmes to enhance integrity among its staff.

Zamri urged the general public not to rely on any services provided by irresponsible parties who charge a fee for doing business with the department.

He also said the NRD has not appointed any agents or middlemen in its offices nationwide. – July 5, 2023.