Don’t be used by certain parties, MACC tells media
Media organisations should not be influenced by certain parties who may try to use them for their own benefits, says Latheefa Koya.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said some might use corrupt means to obtain certain positions or as a weapon to bring down others for their own interests.
“We have to be united and transparent when it comes to corruption so that it will not poison and ruin our country’s development.
“As such, media practitioners must be able to identify those who are making use of them for personal gains and not for the good of the nation,” she said during the media appreciation night here on Friday.
Also present were MACC deputy chief commissioners Datuk Seri Azam Baki and Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil and Malaysian National News Agency chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang.
Latheefa urged the media to report on corrupt practices and power abuse in an impartial manner to help raise awareness and educate the public on the scourge.
She also requested for cooperation from the media not to report any ongoing cases, so that it would not jeopardise their investigations.
Later, she presented plaques of appreciation to each media organisation for their efforts in helping the MACC to spread the message and fight against corruption.
Star Media Group deputy executive editor Loong Meng Yee received the plaque on behalf of the company.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Latheefa said they would go after the end-users of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.
She said some of the 80 individuals and entities, served with compound fines, for illegally receiving 1MDB money, claimed they were not the final recipients but merely the conduit.
“If they are prepared to cooperate and tell us who are the end users, we will go after them.
“We are more than happy to get this kind of information, so we can move forward,” she said.
Latheefa said some of those slapped with the compound fines had made representation by letters, saying they were willing to pay but could not afford the amount demanded.
She said several had lodged police reports and that MACC would take the necessary action to further investigate the matter.
On the issue of cross-border smuggling, Latheefa said the matter was still under investigation and it would depend on the cooperation extended by the police and Customs.
“It is an ongoing operation and police have made arrests and rotation. We hope more people will come forward to help in the probe.”