Task force to probe graft
MACC-led group to monitor corruption cases ahead of GE14
A special task force will be set up to investigate graft complaints leading up to the general election, says the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC).
Its deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the task force, which would include the police and the Election Commission (EC), would monitor complaints involving graft practices which contravene the Election Offences Act 1954.
“The task force will monitor cases and complaints made by any party or individual, and we will investigate allegations of bribes as well as abuse of power,” he told reporters after witnessing the handover of duty to the new Sarawak MACC chief Razim Mohd Noor at the MACC headquarters here yesterday.
He said personnel from the three agencies would be deployed to the special task force immediately once Parliament was dissolved.
On another matter, Azam said not all politicians who were investigated for crimes would be charged under the MACC Act 2009.
He was asked to comment on Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low, who told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday that the MACC had opened investigation papers on 92 politicians from both Barisan Nasional and the Opposition for graft between 2013 and 2017.
On a separate matter, Azam said the mass media played an important role in raising awareness of MACC’s fight against corruption.
He said it was crucial for the media to disseminate information and publicise the agency’s activities while encouraging stronger public involvement in helping MACC fight corruption.
“We must have a proactive approach, where officers go to the ground and immediately act on public complaints and tip-offs instead of waiting for official reports to be lodged at the office.
“We must strengthen efforts and interaction on the ground to build a more effective approach in combating corruption, as well as to improve public perception,” he added.
Azam said between 2010 and March 2018, the state MACC recorded 1,242 investigation papers with 537 arrests, while 317 individuals were charged in court.