Fighting graft is hard when it comes to prominent persons, says panel in appraising MACC

The review report released today says the biggest challenge faced by the MACC is in convincing a sceptical public. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, November 6, 2013.The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had difficulty investigating high-profile cases due to problems of recording statements from reliable witnesses as well as accessibility of documentation in transnational cases, according to an appraisal of the MACC released today.

In its review of the MACC's performance for 2012, the Anti-Corruption Advisory Panel noted that the public's main grouse had to do with the alleged reluctance of the anti-graft body to probe cases involving prominent individuals.

However, the panel also praised the MACC for carrying out its tasks and responsibilities in a clear and transparent manner without outside interference.

In its summary findings, the panel said the MACC had been professional in executing its duties.

The delay in prosecuting certain high profile cases was due to complications and difficulties faced by the MACC in obtaining statements which are crucial in ensuring successful convictions.

"There are also cases which cross several countries and this makes it all the more complicated for the MACC to obtain the proper statements and relevant documents which is vital to the case. There are also difficulties in recording statements from witnesses who are based abroad," the panel said.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed (left) presenting the 2012 annual report on the anti-graft body to Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang at the Parliment, today. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, November 6, 2013.The Anti-Corruption Advisory Panel is comprised of 16 members and chaired by former Solicitor General Puan Sri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh. Its members include New Straits Times chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan, former Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam and Transparency International Malaysia founder Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim.

Inits review, the panel said the biggest challenge faced by the MACC was in convincing the public about its effectiveness in combating graft.

However, the MACC did not take the public's perception lightly, it said, and urged it do more to boost public confidence in the commission.

"These measures are needed in order for the MACC to get the support and cooperation of the public while carrying out anti-graft investigations. Without the public's assistance, graft and abuse of power in Malaysia will continue unabated," the panel concluded.

The panel also threw its support behind amendments proposed on Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, saying the section contained loopholes for abuse of power, especially in cases involving civil servants awarding contracts, grants and tenders to their family members or relatives.

"The MACC Act 2009 has already been around for four years and the MACC prosecution team has identified several parts of the Act which requires amendment to ensure greater success in prosecuting cases," the report, which was presented today to Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, who heads the parliamentary special committee on corruption comprising of seven members.