The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today promised to advice the government to amend procedures if it is found that it encourages corruption.

MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed said that this is with the aim of become closer to the public, as the “public voice is important”.

“If we find that the bureaucracy creates the opportunity for corruption, the MACC will conduct a study to change the procedure.

“My power as the chief commissioner is to advise the government to change the procedure,” he said.

Speaking at a dialogue session with small and medium entreprises, Abu Kassim had earlier urged SME representatives to inform the MACC if they are forced to give bribes.

“Do inform us when you are pressured to give bribes. If you don't want to go to the MACC, at least tell the (enterprises’) association or president,” he said.

To a question by small and medium industries (SMI) Association Malaysia president Teh Kee Sin, Abu Kassim said the MACC is already on the path of transforming into something like Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

“It has started to transform back in 2009. When I was asked to join back the MACC, I asked the government to give freedom for the MACC to transform.”

Already, he says, the MACC is “almost exactly the same” as the ICAC, with both not having powers to prosecute.

 “The ICAC only has the power to hire and fire. In terms of work, the MACC is almost exactly the same as the ICAC,” he said.

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