The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigated 46.6 percent more cases last year than the year before.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz revealed this in the Dewan Rakyat today, in response to a question from Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur).

Lim had asked about efforts by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to tackle corruption since taking office in November 2003. He also asked if the premier was serious about combating corruption, as pledged.

Responding, Nazri said the government has been serious in handling corruption issues and that "we work for the people, not for votes".

Last year, the ACA investigated 497 cases - the highest number since its inception. In 2003, it had received 339 reports.

'Deaf and blind'

Nazri said the government would use the National Integrity Plan (NIP) to resolve problems linked to bureaucracy, upgrade etiquette in public service and to develop the capacity of related agencies.

He also said that at a meeting he had chaired early this month, he had proposed the inclusion of opposition members in future meetings.

"This plan concerns everyone and this move will encourage wider acceptance," he explained.

The NIP will be implemented by the National Integrity Institute through seminars and courses for those in politics and the public sector.

Nazri chided Lim for not following the issue closely enough, saying he was "deaf and blind or (does not) read the newspapers", since the government has been working continuously against corruption.

At a press conference this afternoon, Nazri reiterated that corruption has been on the premier's specific agenda, and that it has been focusing on the impact of corruption on ordinary people.

"We train our people to hate corruption. The prime minister will not protect any cabinet minister, state assemblyman or menteri besar if there is a report of corruption...don't use our relationship or friendship (to escape the consequences)."