MACC hopes to increase staff to 5,000

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) hopes that its total workforce could be increased to 5,000 as had been promised since it was set up in 2008, says Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil.

The MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) said currently, the anti-graft body had a total strength of 2,800 personnel and this shortage had posed a major obstacle in discharging its responsibilities effectively.

“At the time of transformation from the AntiCorruption Agency to the MACC nine years ago, the Government had agreed to raise the total personnel to at least 5,000 to emulate the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong.

“But until now, the figure has yet to be reached. This is among the factors why the MACC is facing obstacles in carrying out enforcement and investigations, as well as conducting campaigns and educational programmes on corruption,” he said at the round table conference on the Aspirations of Malaysians in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of ACA/MACC at a hotel here on Friday.

The conference organised by Malaysia Corruption Watch was participated by more than 30 individuals, representing various non-governmental organisations which among others, aimed to discuss and share opinions on issues pertaining to corruption and abuse of power in the country.

The conference also unanimously rejected the proposal to form the National Integrity and Good Governance Department so as to ensure that the MACC remained an independent body.