KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has flagged a worrying trend whereby agents and intermediaries of crime syndicates have evolved beyond mere middlemen, acting instead as 'bendahari gelap' (black treasurers) managing illicit funds for corrupt government officials.
This modus operandi, reportedly prevalent for several years, has intensified despite heightened enforcement efforts, with some government agencies — particularly enforcement departments — proving a "gold mine" for syndicates.
Past MACC operations, including the arrest of numerous government employees, have failed to curb the influence of these agents.
On the contrary, they have grown more audacious, devising strategies to target civil servants with weak integrity or a propensity for greed. Among their methods, agents facilitate illegal money transactions, channel funds into mule accounts borrowed or purchased by them, and allow officials to access the money to purchase luxury items — all designed to evade detection.
According to MACC, these intermediaries now act as strategic planners, advisors, and negotiators, ensuring corruption schemes proceed smoothly while avoiding scrutiny from superiors or authorities.
Even when enforcement agencies are raided, corruption has persisted, becoming systemic due to the skill and networks of these agents.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya described the growing role of these agents in public agencies as "increasingly concerning."
He attributed the erosion of integrity within enforcement bodies to the constant flow of illicit rewards and stressed that cultivating a culture of honesty remained challenging despite repeated interventions.
"This time, MACC will focus primarily on agents and intermediaries to ensure corruption within government agencies is eradicated. We will target not only corrupt employees but also the bribe-givers who cooperate with them," he said.
Khusairi added that the focus on intermediaries aims to safeguard the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of public services.
Strategic cooperation with other agencies would be established to tackle the problem effectively and continuously, he said.
He also warned that any groups or individuals acting as agents, middlemen, or lobbyists would face strict action.
"Our message is clear: any form of involvement through intermediaries will not be tolerated," he said.
Yesterday, BH reported that MACC investigations this year would prioritise agents and intermediaries, marking a shift from the traditional focus on corrupt enforcers alone.
This approach aligns with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who called for officers failing to carry out their duties with integrity to be transferred immediately and for agents acting as middlemen to be placed under scrutiny.
Sultan Ibrahim stressed that those unable to perform their duties honestly should make way for more qualified and clean officers. - NST
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