Yusoff Lahir, the president of Malaysian Taxi/Limousine and Hired Car Drivers and Operators Association (Perkema) in August lodged a report alleging that 6,000 permits had been improperly issued to a single person, through nine companies.

This report triggered an Anti-Corruption Agency investigation into the possible irregularities

and corrupt practices as no civil servant would dare to offer 6,000 commercial vehicle licenses to one individual without the cabinet minister's knowledge or order.

ACA enforcement director Nordin Ismail conducted his duties as laid out under the Anti Corruption Act 1997. This prompted an arrogant outburst from Entrepreneur Development Minister Nazri Aziz, the person allegedly responsible for approving the licenses. Nazri's reaction is a very clear reflection of Umno imposing its supremacy over the Malaysian constitution and the act, enacted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agung.

Nazri, who has the legal professional background, has gone out of his rational mind by making such a public warning to Nordin: "I want to remind him that he is a government servant and in this structure, ministers are his superiors and he is answerable to us."

Nazri is wrong. Under the provision under section two of the Anti Corruption Act 1997:

"Officer of a public body means any person who is a member, an officer, an employee or a servant of a public body, and include a member of administration, a member of parliament, a member of state legislative assembly, a judge of High Court, Court of Appeal or Federal Court, and any person receiving any remuneration from public funds..."

Nordin, or any of his junior officers has every right to carry out their duty, by the power of the law, since Nazri is also an officer of a public body who receives his remuneration from public funds.

Under Section 17, 18 and 19, Nazri, as a person who receive his remuneration from the public funds, should be obligated to the demands of Nordin, including the declaration of his personal assets and companies that he has direct or indirect interests.

Nazri's position is no different from any other citizen: he can be charged under the Criminal Procedure Code for his failure to cooperate with the investigating officer.

His recent remarks reveals the sick mind of a politician who thinks that he is above the constitution:

"Don't try to show that the ACA is so important. Nordin is just a government officer and he is not a politician and we, as politicians, have been elected by the people and we are not the government's servant."

But it also knocks Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's integrity and sincerity in fighting corruption, when he said: "It is the prime minister who gave me a place in cabinet. Between the government officer and me, I am sure the prime minister understands me better. We are all politicians and we all know where we place our respect".

It places significant responsibility on Abdullah, who is due to sign the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention later this month in Mexico, that covers the criminalisation of bribery, corruption prevention, promotion of integrity and international cooperation in asset recovery and extradition.

Abdullah should ask Nazri and Rural Development Minister Azmi Khalid, the other person implicated, to go on leave while the ACA investigations are ongoing. Any indication that their positions in the cabinet will obstruct the process of law will throw doubt over a fair investigation.

If other ministers and senior officers in Abdullah's administration believe, just as Nazri, that they are above the law; rampant corruption practices will not end. Abdullah might as well withdraw his announcement of establishing an Anti Corruption Academy, because his aspiration is already being challenged by a junior cabinet minister.

Abdullah must act now before the 'politicians above law' wildfire takes root in his administration. He should take this opportunity to prove to Malaysia voters that he is no toothless tiger and that he means business.