Go after crooks who took advantage of pandemic, MACC told
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has urged the MACC to expose acts of corruption committed when the country faced the Covid-19 pandemic. "I urge the MACC to take swift action on this issue as it showcases our attitude towards corruption and misappropriation of public funds by corrupt authorities. "The MACC must also continue to expose and act against the brazen robbers of people's funds when the pandemic struck...
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has urged the MACC to expose acts of corruption committed when the country faced the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I urge the MACC to take swift action on this issue as it showcases our attitude towards corruption and misappropriation of public funds by corrupt authorities.
"The MACC must also continue to expose and act against the brazen robbers of people's funds when the pandemic struck two years ago," the PKR president said in a statement today.
Anwar’s sentiments were echoed by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke who said all Malaysians should be deeply disappointed and angry with the revelation of corruption in government spending against Covid-19.
"What has happened to the value of integrity in our society that there are people who are willing to take advantage of a catastrophe that has taken so many lives and threatened the lives of all Malaysians?
"Malaysians must not take lightly the problem of corruption which is serious and must firmly demand that stern action be taken against this inhumane corruption.
"The MACC chief commissioner (Azam Baki) needs to be more transparent and inform the public more information such as which ministries and government departments are involved, whether it involves the minister or deputy minister level, the value of corruption, and so on," said Loke.
This came after Azam revealed that some purchases of medical equipment and medicines during the Covid-19 pandemic involved elements of corruption.
He said the anti-graft body has opened investigations into bribery in the procurement of medical services, abuse of power in diverting relief aid and stimulus packages, fraud related to medical protective equipment in terms of its quantity and quality, and bribery of enforcement officers during the previous movement control orders.
“In the last two years, many nations around the world were struggling to contain Covid-19, which was mostly led by our heroes in the healthcare sector.
“It is sad, even in this pandemic and state of emergency, some of these purchases are mired with corruption and shows that there are some unscrupulous people who are still taking the opportunity to make illegal monies from people’s pain and misfortunes,” Azam had said during his keynote address at the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Forum 2022 yesterday.
Provide evidence
Anwar said a firm stance on corruption and abuse of power should not be compromised in building a society with integrity.
"Our firm stance on corruption and abuse of power is a reflection of the high integrity of society and there should be no compromise at all in matters involving integrity," he added.
Anwar said he also welcomed Azam's statement on "efforts to bring home every sen of 1MDB funds”.
Loke said the public has the right to know more about these corruption cases without affecting the MACC's investigation process.
"If the identity of a High Court judge being investigated by the MACC can be revealed publicly, I am confident the MACC can take similar action in corruption cases involving the public interest like this.
"I also call on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to call the MACC chief commissioner to come forward to provide evidence and information to the PAC which is responsible for ensuring that every government expenditure is managed properly," he added.
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