Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Abu Kassim Mohamed said the graft watchdog will look into claims that recent spate of defections from PKR was financially motivated.

Abu Kassim said this when asked to comment on Anti-Corruption People’s Movement (Gerak)’s call for MACC to do so today.

NONE “I will study the statement,” Abu Kassim ( left in vest ) told reporters after distributing brochures and car stickers to the public in conjunction with the commission's first anniversary at the Sungai Besi toll plaza.

The commission’s new tag line ‘Together we change to fight corruption’, was also launched today.

On the new MACC public awareness campaign, Abu Kassim said many changes have been made to the commission but the mentality of the public must be changed as well.

"The public should avoid offering bribes. Even if they are involved, they should report the matter as they would be protected by the laws. If you are reluctant to be a witness (in court), then they could act as our informers," he said.

Change with us

Abu Kassim said that in countries where corruption rates are low, it was found that the public worked closely with the authorities to ensure that those guilty for graft are caught.

"I urge the public to work with us to ensure change and reform, in accordance with our promise to strive for greater freedom, transparency and professionalism," he said.

He pointed out that the public should not solely place the blame on the MACC whenever it lost a court case.

"For example, we lost a case after the main witness withdrew. In the first place, we would not have pressed charges if we had known he was going to pull out," he explained.