MACC must walk the talk to be credible

IT is most heartening and reassuring to read the statement by MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad that the agency belongs to the people and is the voice of strength of the people in its efforts to uphold their rights and interests. In a nutshell, Dzulkifli articulates the mission of the MACC.

In fact, this mission should be reflected in all the other instruments of governance aimed at safeguarding the rights, interest and welfare of the people.

It is one thing to have a noble mission but another to realise it, however. So, can the MACC walk the talk?

Since taking over as chief commissioner, Dzulkifli has intensified the MACC’s fight against corruption and has compiled an impressive portfolio of arrests of corrupt officials in the civil service and politicians as well.

But to be truly the voice of the people and to protect their interests, the MACC must without prejudice ascend to the pinnacle of governance to investigate and bring to book those involved in corruption.

Based on its track record, it would seem that the MACC is progressively moving towards that objective, cognizant that it is treading on sensitive grounds.

It is hoped that the MACC will discharge its responsibility without fear or favour.

Such a move would augur well in curbing, if not eradicating, the haemorrhaging of public finance in high places.

To this effect, the people must support the initiatives of the MACC for, in the final analysis, they will benefit from its efforts.