KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) three-year deadline for the country to move high up the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) must be supported by all.
The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the move would send a clear signal to the people that political parties must not compromise on graft.
Lee said the foundation also supports the GERAH (Gerakan Revolusi Anti-Rasuah, or Anti-Corruption Revolutionary Movement) campaign launched by MACC in its bid to end corrupt practices and abuse of power.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad had said Malaysians would stand firmly against corruption by 2020 and called for political parties not to field candidates with tainted records in the next general election.
“MACC’s call for corruption to be declared as the country’s ‘Public Enemy No. 1’ should also be supported by all and the agency must be given full support by the government, particularly all its law enforcement agencies.
“The fight against corruption must be given the fullest support not only by the government but also by all sectors of society,” Lee said.
He said based on media reports on arrests made by the MACC, it appeared that corruption in the public sector was serious and warranted stern action by enforcement agencies.
“Corruption also exists in the private sector and the all-out war against graft should also be extended to private corporations.
“Only when the public and private sectors are purged of corrupt personnel will their credibility be reinforced and public confidence strengthened.”
“The MACC's continuous efffort to act and take action against those involved must be fully appreciated and in this regard, it must be given a free hand to act without fear or favour,” Lee added.