THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is often in the news investigating graft and arresting suspects, but there is nothing it can do if public perception remains against the anti-graft agency, said its deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki.

“According to records, nobody escapes MACC’s investigations. I daresay MACC does not take orders from anyone, including politicians,” Azam said in a radio interview on the SPRM 360 programme earlier today that was also aired live on the MACC.fm Facebook page.

“We can only investigate matters. When we are done, we leave them to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to decide whether to press charges.”

Azam was asked about MACC’s efforts to combat negative perception, as the anti-graft agency has long faced accusations of taking orders from parties and of being partial and selective in running investigations.

He said times had changed, and technological advancements made information readily available to the people.

“People prefer negative and sensational information. The mainstream media should help us correct false information on social media.

“We cannot control negative perceptions. What is most important is doing our jobs according to the law.”

Azam also said MACC’s operations were monitored by five external oversight bodies – the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, Special Committee on Corruption, Complaints Committee, Operations Review Panel, and the Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel.

The bodies look into MACC’s policies, functions, operations, and anti-graft and graft prevention programmes, and review cases the agency recommends to close.

They also deal with complaints of misconduct by officers.

Azam said the five bodies were necessary to MACC, which needed advice from experts to remain relevant and to do their jobs effectively.

“There are many cases investigating officers or prosecutors may want to close. But 30% of past cases were reopened for investigations and prosecuted in court after going through the review panel.

“We cannot think that everything we do is right. We need advice from professionals and experts – lawyers, former judges, accountants, and academics – in the panels.

“In truth, we also feel uncomfortable with the five panels around. We have to report what we do to them because the bodies represent the people.” – September 22, 2018.