The Star gets MACC thumbs up
Dzulkifli thanks group for anti-graft support
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reiterated its “commitment” to carry out a thorough investigation on those suspected to be involved in corrupt practices every week.
Its chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad said in addition, upon wrapping up their investigation papers, they would also recommend to the Attorney-General to exercise his prerogative to press charges against these suspects.
Dzulkifli hoped the media would continue providing extensive coverage of the graft-busting body’s efforts to eradicate corruption in the country.
He also voiced his appreciation to the media for being a strong supporter of its antigraft campaigns.
Dzulkifli also spoke about how Star Media Group chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai suggested the catchy tagline of Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle (Don’t Give and Don’t Settle) or the 3J campaign.
“Thank you, (Datuk Seri) Wong for giving us the idea. You have given us a tagline that has now become a branding for us throughout the country.
“This idea came up when I visited him at the Star Media Group office earlier this year,” he said in his speech during the media appreciation night at the MACC’s headquarters here on Thursday evening.
Also present were deputy chief commissioners Datuk Seri Azam Baki and Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil.
Dzulkifli added that the 3J campaign was launched on May 8 this year, alongside Gerah (Anti-Corruption Revolution Movement), which has since attracted more than 140,000 Rakan Gerah members.
The two anti-graft campaigns are aimed at bringing the fight against corruption to a higher level and involving more people.
He said all these efforts had boosted the public’s confidence in the anti-graft body now, compared with August last year when he took over the helm.
A string of high profile cases, including those with titles and holding positions of power, has sent out a strong message that it means business.
“I truly appreciate the support given by our media friends, who have always given us publicity for our enforcement operations and anti-corruption programmes.
“This has helped spread the message to the people about our efforts against corruption.
“Ultimately, we want Malaysians to view corruption and abuse of power as something despicable and disgusting and at the same time, muster the strength to say no against such practices,” he said.
Citing the proverb “the pen is mightier than the sword” by English novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Dzulkifli said articles written by journalists could influence the perception and thinking of the people and help to spread the message of anti-corruption.