MACC chief: Just you wait

> Warning issued to those involved in graft, misappropriation

PETALING JAYA: “To all corrupt politicians, I just have one thing to say to you ... just wait.”

That was the warning from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad to politicians, businessmen and governmentlinked corporation and public officials, regardless of their rank.

He said the time has come for the anti-graft body to take drastic and stern action to stop graft.

“I have said, on my 100th day as MACC chief, that I will not stop taking action. There is no issue about them being protected.

“Be it those lower ranking officers or the more powerful ones, this issue does not rise. I will do as I promised,” he said in a television interview with a local news channel yesterday.

Dzulkifli said those involved in corruption and abuse of power should be regarded as the number one enemy of the state, and that the fight against corruption should be a national agenda.

“Corruption happens in many different aspects, whether misappropriating national funds, abusing the law or others. This has to be stopped.”

Stressing the importance of the media in combating graft, he said they must be given the freedom to conduct investigative reporting, and assist MACC in its battle.

The veteran civil servant also urged the public not to be afraid of coming forward and providing information that could help MACC combat corruption, as the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 will protect them.

Dzulkifli also said the threeyear budget freeze on MACC is hindering its work scope, especially in terms of purchasing new technologies to assist its investigations.