Over the past year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has achieved remarkable success in carrying out its reform and transformation plans. This will serve as a stern reminder to other civil servants not to involve in corruption.

Although the ‘achievements’ of MACC prove that there is indeed graft occurring in government departments, the more important thing would be to let the past be the past. Now Malaysia is gradually reaching the goal of upholding integrity and honesty.

Members of the public should lend their full support to MACC, making sure that MACC is endowed with strong moral strengths, so that MACC could continue its crackdown on corruption.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has also recently expressed his hope of having all misconduct and abuse of power in civil service to be handled appropriately with the highest possible penalties.

Everyone in Malaysia is very concerned about the prevalence of corruption and abuse of power in the government departments. This is also one of the reason why the people are dissatisfied with the government.

These black sheep should all be punished sternly as they made the people doubt and question the government’s transformation plans.

In fact the government should consider giving MACC complete independence, emulating the modus operandi of the anti-corruption agencies in Singapore and Hong Kong. This is because the credibility and integrity of these countries in fighting graft is internationally recognised.

Malaysia will become a high-income nation in the next three years. Therefore we should not let outsiders be affected by Malaysia’s tainted image.

Malaysians should work closely with MACC to put an end to corruption in Malaysia, including rejecting any form of bribery irrespective of its amount.

In countries overseas, Malaysians will never think of giving bribes while dealing with the enforcement authorities or government officials. But many resort to solving matters using money, which is a very unhealthy mindset.

Fighting graft is not only the MACC’s responsibility. It should be the responsibility of all Malaysians. A cleaner and corrupt-free Malaysia lies in the hands of every citizen.

LIM CHIN HUI is Negri Sembilan MCA state liaison committee chairperson and MCA SME Bureau deputy chairperson.