MACC to scrutinise law to charge companies

The MACC is examining a proposal to suspend the implementation of Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which should be carried out on June 1.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki (photo) said this was due to demands especially from companies that were not prepared for the appropriate anti-corruption plan.

“They are also experiencing a business slump following the proliferation of Covid-19," he said.

Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009 was passed in Parliament on April 5, 2018, providing for a law that enables companies engaging in corruption to be charged.

Before the provision came into force, the MACC Act 2009 focused only on the prosecution of "natural persons" -  individuals involved in corruption.

"They are asking for approximately one year to re-establish their businesses before the implementation of Section 17A," added Azam, after being sworn in as the new MACC chief commissioner at Istana Negara, today.

Azam said he was concerned about the fate of the companies involved and would take into account the views of some parties before informing the government.

‘’I give my assurance that this proposal will be considered in the best possible manner although we are fully prepared to implement Section 17A," he said. - Bernama