Politicising the issue of corruption would only create negative public perception, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Mustafar Ali.

He said the politicising corruption constraints Malaysia from improving its ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) towards 2020.

"If we talk about contraints, perception is one of them if the corruption issue is politicised as it will create negative perception when we have actually been transparent in fighting corruption.

"But if the negative perception continues, especially against the agency which is earnestly fighting corruption, it will affect the good efforts being taken," Mustafar told reporters after attending a forum in conjunction with the World Anti-Corruption Day commemoration in Kota Baru today.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob opened the forum with International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed also present.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak recently called on all Malaysians

to fight corruption while the country was targeting to improve its ranking on the CPI.

Malaysia moved up three steps from 53rd spot last year to 50th this year on the CPI ranking involving 175 countries and is targeting to improve to 30th by 2020.

On the perception that the MACC only took action against the small fry, Mustafar disagreed, saying it acted against all involved in corruption.

"The MAAC does not care and does not choose, whether it is an 'ikan bilis' (anchovy) or 'ikan jerung'(shark). As long as it's a 'fish', we will act against the culprit," he said.

Mustafar said the public should not be afraid to channel information on corrupt practices as the MACC assured confidentiality and safety protection for the whistle-blowers.

- Bernama