YOURSAY | ‘Silence, ambiguity, insufficient engagement prove almost as damaging as the allegations.’

'Corporate mafia': No RCI yet but probe ongoing, Loke promises DAP will follow up

PinkMarlin6024: It appears that the concerns raised by DAP regarding the alleged transgressions of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, as well as the issue of a purported “corporate mafia” confronting the MACC, have not been accorded the serious and sustained consideration they arguably warrant within the Pakatan Harapan–led Madani administration.

From an external perspective, this situation creates the impression that the views and reservations expressed by a significant component of the governing coalition are being met with a degree of indifference, if not quiet dismissal.

When questions arise concerning institutional integrity - particularly those involving the leadership of the nation’s principal anti-corruption body - public confidence rests heavily on the assurance that such concerns are addressed openly, impartially, and with due seriousness.

If doubts are being voiced by members within the governing coalition itself, prudence would suggest that these issues be engaged with transparently and substantively.

Doing so is not merely a matter of internal coalition management; it is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the institutions responsible for safeguarding accountability.

Conversely, the failure to engage meaningfully with such concerns risks fostering the perception that political expediency is being allowed to overshadow the broader commitment to good governance that the Madani framework aspires to embody.

In matters touching upon the credibility of anti-corruption institutions, perception is often as consequential as fact.

Silence, ambiguity, or insufficient engagement can therefore prove almost as damaging as the allegations themselves.

The challenge for the administration is not simply to dismiss or sideline criticism, but to demonstrate - clearly, transparently, and convincingly - that the principles of integrity, accountability, and institutional independence remain paramount and are applied without fear or favour.

FellowMalaysian: Regrettably, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has admitted to DAP's failure in getting the cabinet to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) investigation into MACC's alleged role in the “corporate mafia” allegations.

Loke further admitted that he had heard such rumblings as early as during the years 2020 to 2022 when the Perikatan Nasional-led government was in power.

Loke chose to eschew such hearsay and swept it under the carpet, presumably, as he claimed, he did not receive any complaint from corporate owners.

Would it be of any help or assistance to these corporations if they had sought help from a political party like DAP against high-handed actions by officials from enforcement agencies?

But the situation is quite different now, as foreign international news media have picked up on the case and reported on it.

Resorting to internal government bodies to investigate will never reveal the truth, as they will never implicate themselves and find themselves guilty of any wrongdoing.

BlueShark1548: Why is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim so reluctant to have an RCI?

What had been disclosed by Bloomberg with names, etc, can only be properly investigated by an independent RCI, preferably headed by our former chief justice, Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

Why leave the investigations to agencies that had lost much credibility with the public?

If DAP cannot persuade Anwar to have RCI, leave the coalition and bring forth an early general election for the rakyat to kick Anwar and PKR out. Enough of Anwar's dramas.

Bobbyo: Malaysians are left with no options when coming to vote. It is either the coalition government or the PN government.

So let us not get emotional over this Azam's scandal. We cannot allow this nation to sink just because of the escapade of just one man.

We know that the coalition government is buying time until Azam's tenure is over. There is a very high probability that it will not be extended, unless Anwar wants to commit political hara-kiri.

Loke is just giving a cheap excuse for the failure of DAP to stand up to Anwar. Or DAP have no choice but to rattle the coalition now and allow PAS to replace them.

If Anwar or even DAP wants to try to regain some support, then the solution is to revamp MACC. Make them answerable to Parliament. Also, appoint a leader who is respected and accepted by the people.

As far as the "corporate mafia" investigation is concerned, you can be assured that the people will not be informed of the whole truth.

As it will lead to certain individuals who are close to the present administration.

Malaysians must wise up. It is time to prepare a record card of all the coalition politicians.

To vote out those who have gone back on the promises that they gave or promised to fulfil. Or did not perform according to expectation.

DAP’s future, as well as that of their next generation of leaders, depends on the decisions they make now.

Fair Player: This is the problem with Loke. Once he couldn't get the cabinet to agree on matters which DAP requested, he would think of all sorts of reasons to substitute his main request.

RCI and internal investigation are two very different issues.

Why does Loke agree on a superficial internal investigation, knowing it will not serve any purpose other than ignoring the "elephant in the room"?

DAP is a self-serving party and not serving the voters at all.

Coward: The real issue here is not whether a task force or RCI will do the investigation, but the credibility of the investigation.

For that, we need transparency. We need to know the task force composition, remit and its investigative power.

The beauty of an RCI will ensure these are available; a task force doesn't.

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