'MACC not slow to act on corruption reports but carries out investigations first'

The MACC has asserted that it is not slow to act in handling corruption cases, but rather conducts investigations based on the reports and grounds received.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Azmi Kamaruzaman said every report with a valid basis will be scrutinised, and investigative actions will be taken according to the needs and suitability of each case.

He said the perception that MACC is slow to act must be viewed based on the investigation process carried out, including follow-up actions after a report is received.

"When there is a report, when there is a basis, we proceed with the investigation. We are not slow to act; we act in a timely and appropriate manner," he said at the Kelantan MACC Director Handover Ceremony at the state MACC headquarters today.

Azmi (above) also referred to cases related to Tabung Haji and in Kedah while explaining MACC's actions, expressing hope that the investigations can be resolved without taking a long time.

He further urged members of the public with information regarding corruption to channel it to MACC to enable investigations to be carried out, rather than making unverified claims via social media.

He said MACC provides various mechanisms to encourage the public to step forward and assist in the effort to eradicate corruption, including whistleblower protection and the witness protection programme.

Media cooperation

Azmi said community and media cooperation is crucial in the effort to combat corruption, including raising awareness on the importance of reporting misconduct to the authorities.

According to him, the role of the media should not be limited to reporting arrest cases but should also encompass efforts to educate the younger generation on the dangers of corruption, abuse of power, and embezzlement.

"If we only want to make arrests, it feels like we will be making arrests forever. There will always be arrest cases, but if we want to educate the new generation, this is the shared platform we need to utilise with our media partners," he said.

Azmi stated that continuous efforts through education and prevention are vital to birthing a generation with integrity and free from corruption.

At the ceremony, he also expressed appreciation to Kelantan MACC director Azmin Yusoff for his dedicated service while leading the state agency.

According to him, retirement is not the end of the struggle, but a transition into a new phase of life, while hoping that Azmin and his family can enjoy a happy retirement.

Najwa Sabry assumed the post as Kelantan MACC director, effective today.

- Bernama

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