Claim that Malaysia undergoing corruption crisis 'unjustifiable' - Tunku Aziz

The Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim asserted that Malaysia is not experiencing a corruption crisis.

He deemed the claim made by Transparency International (TI) president, Jose Ugaz, that there is a corruption crisis in Malaysia, as an 'unjust and unreasonable statement'.

"That's a comment which is unjust and unreasonable. Transparency International has given an inaccurate depiction of the issue," Tunku Abdul Aziz said in a statement Thursday.

ACAB is one of the five independent bodies that monitors the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

Ugaz, in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) on Wednesday, claimed that Malaysia is experiencing a corruption crisis following the "unresolved RM2.6 billion in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's account."

Tunku Abdul Aziz said, although investigations on the matter are ongoing, it did not mean that Malaysia is in a crisis.

Tunku Abdul Aziz, who is a former head of the TI's Malaysian chapter, reiterated that MACC was still investigating the case.

He said it was important for every party involved to be given room and space to complete the investigations in accordance with the law.

"I understand there is a huge sum of amount involved, but a thorough investigation should be done before actions can be taken. Why can’t they wait until the investigation is completed?" he asked.

Tunku Abdul Aziz said Ugaz's 'reckless' statement was unacceptable.

"If Najib is found guilty and if action should be taken by law, then by all means go ahead with it, but what we want to emphasise is that this country has laws. This is the basis of the legal system," he said, adding that emotions should not obscure the goal of getting justice.

Tunku Abdul Aziz said, every year, MACC through its Transformation Program undergo great changes.

This can be seen through increased conviction rate for corruption and the increase in public confidence on the commission.

"MACC is currently the most independent. There are also independent bodies to monitor its performance. I hope such incidents will not happen again," he added.