An anti-corruption watchdog today urged the government to re-open previous graft investigations, which it said for reasons unknown to the public were never proceeded with or closed.

"We cannot look forward to combat corruption effectively unless we look back and prosecute those who hitherto escaped prosecutions," said Transparency International Malaysia deputy president Param Cumaraswamy.

"That is the only effective way of restoring public confidence in the integrity of the government."

He said that over the years, the public has lost confidence in the investigatory and prosecutorial processes of the government, particularly with regard to reports of corruption.

"The public perception was that the 'big fish' were left to go free and enjoy the ill-gotten wealth amassed with impunity while only the 'small fries' apprehended and prosecuted," said Param.

'Positive step'

However, he described this week's arrests of Perwaja Steel ex-chief Eric Chia and Land and Cooperative Development Minister Kasitah Gaddam as a "positive step" towards restoring public confidence in the government.

"However, both the Anti-Corruption Agency and the office of the attorney-general must continue to reopen previous investigations... There is no time bar for these prosecutions," he stressed.

On Monday, Chia was arrested by ACA and later charged with criminal breach of trust amounting to RM76.4 million.

This was followed by the arrest and charging of Kasitah yesterday for alleged corrupt practices in the disposal of shares worth RM24 million while heading a Sabah state-owned body.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who took over from Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Oct 31, has declared a war against corruption.

Without fear or favour

Param said that public support for measures taken by Abdullah to combat corruption in the future requires public confidence in such measures.

"This requires assurance that investigations and prosecutions are conducted on principles of equality before the law and without fear or favour," said Param, who is former United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

However, Param said that while such cases should be investigated and prosecuted without fear or favour, it is also imperative that all those prosecuted must be given and seen to be given fair trials in accordance with the principles of equality before the law.

In his press statement today, Param did not state the specific cases that should be re-opened.

Over the years, the ACA has investigated a number of top politicians, whose cases are still pending or closed.

They include Works Minister S Samy Vellu, former transport minister Dr Ling Liong Sik, Information Minister Khalil Yaakob, Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and former rural development minister Annuar Musa.

The agency has also recommended that action be taken against International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz and former Melaka chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik, but this was rejected by the Attorney-General's Chambers.