MACC: Keep On Dreaming, Tan Sri Abu Kassim

September 5, 2013

We outclass many of our peers, says MACC Chief

by Susan Loone@http://www.malaysiakini.com

Unlike some other nations that set up anti-graft agencies as mere "window dressing to hide corrupt practices", the Malaysian watchdog has more bite, said its chief Abu Kassim Mohammad.

Speaking at an event in Penang yesterday, he pointed out that even the United Nations acknowledged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) structure.

"Based on my experiences and observations overseas, anti-corruption agencies in other countries cannot match us in terms of capacity, logistics, position and power.

"The UN recognises that we do not only have a high element of accountability but very good facilities and support from the government as well," he stressed.

Abu Kassim (right) also claimed that currently 90 percent of the caseshandled by the commission had been wrapped up within the "expected time frame".

He explained that this was achieved by introducing team-based investigations to promptly deal with backlog cases, which were now "non-existent".

"This is something we can be proud of because one of the rakyat's aspiration is to see the MACC carry out speedy investigation of cases," he said.

However, Abu Kassim said the public must understand that it was not always easy to probe these cases as corruption was a "very complex crime".

Unlike other cases, he noted, the victims involved in corruption were not always prepared to cooperate with MACC or provide its officers with information.

"The victims often feel that this is a victimless crime because the two sides are involved... so it is difficult for them to come forward and help us," he said.

More public service officers lodging reports

Meanwhile, Abu Kassim also revealed that more public service officials were coming out to lodge reports with MACC.

"Corruption in this sector is increasing but while in the past 20-25 years, MACC arrests have been targeted at public officers, today we focus not only on the private sector but the public (individuals or groups) who give bribes," he said.

"This change is related to public service officers who are willing to come out to report cases of corruption," he added.

Abu Kassim said this trend of exposing corrupt activities was in line with Transparency International's recent barometer on corruption which revealed that only five percent of Malaysians were perceived to be involved in the practice of giving bribes.

"This is a good achievement compared to other countries, where 75 percent of the population reportedly pay bribes," he added.

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