Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed has vowed to restore the credibility of the agency when he takes over the reins starting Jan 1.

macc official launch 240209 abu kassim "I will introduce several plans and measures to redeem MACC's integrity and public confidence," he told reporters after opening the Integrity Conference 2009 in Penang today.

He said cooperation from other agencies and non-government organisations was also important in restoring the MACC's credibility.

"Without help from all quarters, the MACC will not be able to do a good job," he said, adding that he was thankful that he was give the confidence to lead the agency.

Abu Kassim will replace MACC chief commissioner Ahmad Said Hamdan, who will retire by the end of the month, five months earlier than scheduled.

Lessons from US

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nor Mohamed Yakcop said that Integrity is an important element for the progress and success of a nation,

"We must take some lessons from what happened in the United States which is now saddled with USD1.5 trilion debts all because of the greed of some of its banks.

"This is what can happen if there is no integrity and is something we have to watch out for to ensure the continued progress of our nation," he told reporters after attending the opening of the seminar.

The one-day seminar themed ‘Integrity in Development’ was opened by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and was attended by staff and officers of various government agencies.

- Bernama