MACC reveals ‘worrying statistics’
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 50% of those arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the past three years were aged below 40.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil expressed concern over the finding and said it as an “alarming situation”.
Of the 2,329 people arrested since 2014, 1,267 were below 40.
“People in this age group are supposed to be nation’s backbone, who will shape the future of our country,” he said in his keynote speech at a public forum organised by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) yesterday.
Shamshun said about 982 investigation papers were opened, 932 people were detained and 258 charged by the anti-graft body last year.
“MACC plans to engage with youths this year. The Gen-Y group always finds an easy way. We have to guide them from young and create awareness of what is happening around them,” he said.
On MACC seeking more allocation, Shamshun said the extra funds were for them to implement what they planned for the year.
“We need more whistle-blowers who can voluntarily come forward to report or provide information on corruption activities.”
He said such individuals will be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, that shields informants from action. – by Ashwin Kumar