MACC to target agents, middlemen fuelling corruption in govt agencies

 

MACC will aggressively pursue agents, intermediaries, and lobbyists who are the chief culprits of corruption within government agencies.

Deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said this covers those involved in government procurement cartels and illegal foreign worker recruitment.

“This year, we will change our approach to target these agents and intermediaries.

“I will focus on that one and I will hit hard to stop corruption within enforcement agencies. We will make sure they face the consequences,” he said while speaking at the Journalism Workshop: Understanding the MACC’s Role in Combating Corruption, held in Genting Highlands.

Khusairi added that intermediaries are the main perpetrators of government corruption, often earning more than the complicit officials.

Citing illegal foreign worker syndicates, he said agents earn up to RM5,000, while immigration officers get just RM1,000, calling into question whether risking a career is worth it.

He said intermediaries continue to instigate corruption despite the government and MACC's recent strict enforcement and preventive measures.

“We will make sure they are declared bankrupt and prevented from running any business in the country. This is our firm stance,” he added.

- Bernama