PUTRAJAYA: The year 2016 was considered a successful year for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in solving and addressing cases of corruption and abuse of power.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said a total of 982 investigation papers were opened, 932 individuals were arrested and 258 were charged as of Dec 15, last year.
“Last year was a big achievement for the MACC’s operations team compared to the previous years. Based on statistics, 841 were arrested in 2015, 552 in 2014 and 509 in 2013.
“We managed to address public interests issues and solve high profile cases like the bauxite mining in Pahang. We are glad to solve this problem and to see the implementation of a moratorium to control such activities. We are still monitoring this case.
“Since the chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad joined MACC, he has shown his commitment in combating corruptions by mobilising our officers nationwide to probe into big and small cases. This include the case in Sabah (the Sabah Water Department’s case), which is still under investigation,” he said during an exclusive interview with @MACCfm, this morning.
In October, MACC seized RM52 million cash and froze another RM60 million in bank accounts following the arrests of two senior Sabah Water Department officials.
The commission also seized nine luxury vehicles, 94 handbags, and an assortment of jewellery and watches. Prior to that, the MACC had, on March 21, charged former Youth and Sports Ministry senior officer Otman Arshad, 57, with 32 counts of corruption involving RM38.5 million in federal funds.
Azam emphasised that MACC’s main objective is not merely making the biggest seizure or asset recovery, but to maintain national harmony and solving safety issues.
“We are not like other enforcement agencies where their main objective is to maximise government revenues. Our focus is to maintain peace in the country because corruption is a big thing where it can affect social and safety issues.
“At the same time, we are also committed in helping the government. This is proven with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between MACC and the Inland Revenue Board where both agencies can work together in returning the government revenue. For instance, RM200 million was seized nationwide last year, about 70 per cent of which can be returned to the government.
“Not only we are serious about fighting corruption, we will also ensure the government’s properties are not being misused,” he said.
He also urged civil servants who are involved in corruption and the abuse of power to repent and stop such activities.