PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is prioritizing efforts to improve the country’s economy by reducing leakages and recovering national wealth, according to Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief commissioner. In an interview in conjunction with MACC’s 56th anniversary, Azam revealed that MACC has adopted a modern and professional approach to combat corruption and reduce leakage, resulting in the recovery of government assets and funds. He further explained that MACC utilizes the intelligence-based investigation (IBI) method for high-profile cases involving individuals in positions of power. The IBI method involves deep analysis of the subjects before conducting proper investigations, leading to the identification of corruption perpetrators and subsequent asset recovery.
Azam also mentioned that MACC employs the management team-based investigation (MTI) method, which ensures transparent and high-quality investigations. These methods are used based on the importance and urgency of each case, particularly if it involves organized crime. Despite focusing on larger cases, Azam emphasized that MACC does not ignore smaller cases as corruption and power abuse often involve significant leakage.
Azam highlighted the ongoing investigations, legal processes, and efforts to repatriate public funds. He cited the recovery of assets and funds related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case as one of MACC’s successes using these methods. Azam also stressed the importance of promoting awareness about these new investigation methods to help the public understand their advantages.
Furthermore, Azam mentioned the adoption of the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) mechanism within the MACC Act. He proposed enacting this law to defer charges and reach resolutions that would increase the country’s revenue, referring to the practice in developed countries like the United States.
Azam provided statistics on MACC’s accomplishments in 2022, stating that 820 investigation papers were opened for corruption and abuse of power, with 766 cases resolved within the year. He mentioned that 909 individuals were arrested, including 323 civil servants, along with the forfeiture of assets totaling RM149,695,341.49 and the issuance of compounds amounting to RM44,454,800.
Azam attributed the confiscated amount’s highest contributor to Ops 1MDB, highlighting strategic cooperation between MACC, the US’ Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
AccordiThis text is found in the link but is not included in the provided text.ng to Azam, from January to August of this year, 869 individuals, including 324 civil servants, were arrested for corruption. Among them, 326 individuals have been charged in court for offenses related to bribery, false claims, and abuse of power.
In addition, Azam expressed optimism about achieving the goal of making Malaysia a corruption-free nation by strengthening preventive measures at the grassroots level. As part of MACC’s 56th anniversary celebration, several events are planned, including the Stamp Design Competition in collaboration with Pos Malaysia Berhad and a patriotic song contest for MACC officers and staff nationwide.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
