Short shrift for political meddlers
MACC deputy chief commissioner brushes off Chong’s call to remove top Sarawak officers
KUCHING: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission ( MACC) will not bow to political pressure in the course of carrying out its duties.
Its deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the outburst by DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen in calling for the removal of MACC Sarawak’s top officers was a ‘personal’ opinion.
“That is his (Chong’s) opinion and not all matters reported (to MACC) are issues that need to be investigated. For example, reports on audit report – not all of them require our investigation because there are no elements of corruption,” he explained when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
Nonetheless, Azam said his investigation division deputy Datuk Izani Wan Ishak would be getting in touch with Chong to find out more on his complaint.
Chong, who is Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister, told a press conference in Sibu on Sunday that the head of MACC Sarawak and several of its top officers ought to be changed over their alleged failure to tackle corruption in the state.
Azam explained that every report lodged with the commission would be scrutinised, studied and checked before a decision is made on whether to act upon it or open an investigation file.
“We will evaluate a report and investigate if there is element of graft. We cannot punish people during the investigation or prior to any investigation being carried out. We don’t want to be seen sensationalising the situation,” he said.
I am very confident with the integrity and ability of my officers. This kind of comment (from Chong) – we have to accept with open heart, but this does not mean we are susceptible to external pressure.
Datuk Seri Azam Baki, MACC deputy chief commissioner
He also expressed his confidence in his officers, saying MACC is not susceptible to pressure from outside parties.
“I am very confident with the integrity and ability of my officers. This kind of comment (from Chong) – we have to accept with open heart, but this does not mean we are susceptible to external pressure,” he stressed.