KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) has called for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to remain firm, fair, independent and trusted as it marks its 59th anniversary.
MCW president Jais Abdul Karim congratulated the entire leadership and staff of the MACC on the commission’s 59th anniversary.
He said almost six decades of the country’s anti-corruption institution was not merely a historical milestone but carried a major responsibility to safeguard national integrity, protect public funds and ensure that public power was not abused for personal interests.
“MCW appreciates the service, sacrifice and courage of thousands of MACC officers, including those working in the field and behind the scenes.
“The responsibility of fighting corruption is not an easy task and often requires a high level of firmness and integrity,” he said in a statement today.
However, Jais said public expectations of the MACC had also grown higher as the institution entered its 59th year.
He said Malaysians wanted the MACC to act firmly, professionally and based on facts and evidence.
“Enforcement must be carried out without fear or favour, regardless of a person’s position, rank, wealth, political connections or influence.
“No one can be above the law,” he said.
MCW also welcomed the emphasis on quality enforcement, risk-based prevention, the use of technology as well as professional and integrity-driven organisational management.
At the same time, Jais said efforts to strengthen the institution must continue, particularly through structural and legal reforms aimed at enhancing the MACC’s independence, accountability and transparency.
“Strong checks and balances are important not to weaken the MACC, but to increase public confidence in the institution,” he said.
Jais said the success of the fight against corruption should not be measured solely by the number of arrests, investigations or prosecutions.
He said the broader measure was the extent to which leakages could be stopped, systemic weaknesses addressed, avenues for corruption closed and a culture of integrity embedded in society and the country’s administration.
“After 59 years, the journey is still a long one,” he said.
MCW also called on Malaysians to collectively uphold integrity, stressing that the fight against corruption was not solely the responsibility of the MACC.
He said the Government, Parliament, private sector, NGOs, media and every citizen each had a role to play.
“Remember the struggles that have been faced.
“Appreciate those who defend integrity.
“Continue the struggle that remains unfinished,” he said.
Jais also extended his congratulations to the MACC on its 59th anniversary.
“Corruption is the No. 1 enemy of the country.” – DETIK MALAYSIA
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