When the watchdog loses its bite: MACC faces credibility crisis

 

FOR quite some time now, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its anti-corruption efforts have been subjected to various misgivings, controversies, and polemics, which have severely eroded the average Malaysian’s expectation that the MACC’s anti-graft efforts can make strong and effective strides against corruption.

Corruption has become systemic, and instead of being reduced, many feel that it has gone in the opposite direction.

Many feel that anti-graft measures are being weaponised against certain  political and corporate personalities.

In the same vein, many top figures whose wealth accumulation arouses suspicion appear to be untouchable, while only the small fish are being netted.

For long, Tan Sri Azam Baki’s extended tenure of employment has been a controversial issue, and various quarters have opposed his re-appointments as he has aroused suspicion in the eyes of the public due to his use of office and influence for personal advantage.

There have even been calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI). This has led to people losing trust that present anti-corruption efforts will lead to a reduction in corruption.

The MACC chief commissioner himself has said that corruption in the country leads to billions of ringgit being siphoned off or lost annually, mainly by the government and the corporate sector.

Recent episodes concerning Pamela Ling, the Sabah mining scandal, Albert Tei, and the current corporate mafia cases are a very poor reflection of the MACC and its officials, who are accused of misusing and even weaponising the MACC for wrongful purposes.

The MACC’s vast powers of investigation, enforcement, and detention can be used for intimidation, and there is the ever-present possibility that these powers could be abused by less-than-honest officers.

As such, it is essential that the MACC’s officers and top leadership are people of high integrity if the country is to win the war against graft, which is sapping the economy and treasury of the country.

Corruption has reached alarming levels, and the MACC must regain the trust and confidence of the people. Nowadays, people are even afraid to become whistleblowers for fear of being endlessly investigated.

The corporate mafia episode has shaken the MACC to its core, with its alarming revelations of victimisation and the extent to which MACC powers are being used by its own errant officers and by members of the public and the corporate world for their own gains.

The corporate mafia case has shown how the MACC has committed the very crimes and wrongdoings it was supposed to act against. It is a case of “harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi”.

The government is obliged to ensure a clean image for the MACC through personnel and leadership changes, as well as improved investigation procedures that could herald a more effective, competent, and well-equipped MACC to seriously fight graft in the country. 

V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.