KUALA LUMPUR: Measures by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in detaining individuals involved in corrupt practices and abuse of power are seen as capable of boosting investors' confidence in the country.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad said the allegation that the moves taken by the agency against corrupt individuals scared the investors away was not true.
"There is no issue about scaring off. The moves should actually give confidence to the investors to make investments in Malaysia," he said when asked on the moves by the MACC recently in taking action against corrupt individuals and the abuse of power to the extent that investors were scared to invest in this country.
He disclosed this to reporters after taking part in a walkabout for the ''Gerakan Revolusi Anti Rasuah'' (GERAH) and 3J which is Don''t Give, Don''t Agree and Don''t Settle (Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim dan Jangan Settle'') at Berjaya Times Square, here today.
Dzulkifli believes that the proactive action carried out by the MACC in fighting corruption could improve the position of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Dzulkifli denied allegations that the MACC was not fair and indulged in favouritism as it did not take action against politicians.
"This is not favouritism ... it's a matter of time. If we don't take action at all, then it is favouritism. I feel that as the CC (Chief Commissioner) I am more knowledgeable as to when it is the right time to act,"he said.
He said this when asked to comment on the statement by PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man who questioned the refusal of the MACC in taking action against politicians in the run-up to the 14th General Election, as this could be used as campaign material.
As of today, 13 individuals including policemen and officers in Melaka had been detained to assist in corruption cases concerning collecting money from operators of illegal gambling centres and massage parlours in several locations in Melaka. -- Bernama