KUALA LUMPUR: Allegations that Malaysian Anti Corruption Commissions (MACC) chief commissioner is among several individuals protecting a medical visa and counter setting cartel are being made to divert attention.
Chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the individuals, who are behind those allegations, were resorting to slander as their criminal racket has been exposed.
"The real culprits are trying to divert attention by making baseless accusations.
"Allow me to pose a question. How have they been able to continue their criminal activities for so long?" he told the "New Straits Times" on Tuesday.
He said it was MACC that uncovered the scandal, while no one else was willing to step forward.
"Now, these individuals are attempting to tarnish my reputation and that of MACC.
"While they continue to slander the authorities, it is a pity some people are inclined to believe their unfounded claims," he said, adding that he remained focused on his objective of fighting corruption.
"I have many responsibilities to fulfill for our country. I do not have time to be responding to all the baseless accusations posted on social media."
Azam was referring to a Telegram post, which alleged that he and several Immigration Department top brass are involved in protecting the syndicate.
Counter-setting refers to the act of allowing foreigners to enter the country without proper inspection by directing them through designated or predetermined lanes at Immigration entry points.
MACC investigations led to nationwide operations to expose and dismantle a criminal network, resulting in the arrests of 50 Immigration officers and 10 syndicate agents, linked to the racket.
One of these agents, a Myanmar national, was charged on Oct 28, and an MACC source indicated that further arrests were likely in this crackdown.
Investigations revealed that those involved in the counter-setting operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminals one and two had been receiving information from agents via WhatsApp about the arrival of certain foreign nationals.
The syndicates had reportedly bribed Immigration officers to allow foreigners, particularly from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar, to enter the country on tourist visas without following proper protocol.
Azam had said that last month, the mastermind, who is a senior officer attached to the Immigration Department, would be charged soon.