MACC has defended its vetting processes relating to the promotion of public officers, following doubts raised by PKR MP Rafizi Ramli.
The former economy minister had previously pointed to the power abuse cases involving former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan and former armed forces chief Nizam Jaffar as proof that MACC vetting is inadequate in preventing allegedly corrupt public servants from being promoted.
In response to Rafizi's assertions, the graft busters highlighted that corrupt conduct, particularly involving senior officers, is often "concealed, systematic, and difficult to detect at an early stage."
It also clarified that its vetting does not constitute a criminal probe.
Instead, it described its vetting as an "integrity screening process" based on information, complaints, and intelligence available at the time the vetting request is formally submitted by the respective department for the purpose of an officer’s promotion.
As such, it said that if at the time the vetting is conducted, there are no reports, complaints, or credible evidence indicating corrupt practices or integrity breaches, there is "no legal basis" to prevent the promotion of any public officer.
Its vetting process, MACC said in a statement yesterday, is also dependent on formal requests from the relevant departments and is not conducted automatically by the commission.
"Many (alleged corruption) cases only come to light after a period of time, when new evidence emerges, information is provided by whistleblowers, or financial intelligence reveals irregularities that were previously unknown," it added.
It also stressed that promotion does not confer immunity or protection from future investigations, affirming that should formal complaints arise and sufficient evidence be obtained, investigations will be pursued regardless of rank or position.
"The fact that individuals are now being investigated and charged demonstrates that MACC acts based on evidence and the rule of law, upholding the clear principle that no one is above the law," it said.
‘Not an automatic filter’
Commenting on asset declaration, the anti-graft agency said the key prerequisite in the promotion process for public officers is managed and reviewed by the respective departments and service commissions as part of internal governance and integrity screening mechanisms.
MACC’s involvement, it said, arises only when there are complaints or the need for a specific investigation, and not as an automatic filter in promotion exercises.
In taking the MACC to task, Rafizi had questioned how the commission could have missed the alleged corruption afflicting the nation's military forces if the MACC screens all civil service appointments and promotions.
Calling the matter a "plot twist", he directed his statement to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.
"Azam proudly goes around podcasts showing that he is brave in fighting corruption - but prevention is better than cure," Rafizi claimed in an X post on Feb 4. - Mkini
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