MACC does not take instructions from higher-ups - Abu Zahar

The MACC is also not selective in the investigation of high-profile cases, and acts on all complaints, he said in a statement.

The select committee, an independent body comprising MPs from several political parties that monitors the running of the MACC, has seen the earnestness with which MACC tackles corruption, he said.

Abu Zahar, who is president of the Dewan Negara, said the committee felt that it was improper to raise the issue of "small fish and big fish" to illustrate that the MACC was not transparent.

He said the MACC acted on every information and complaint that it receives and investigates every information and complaint with any element of corruption, under the MACC Act 2009.

"A small group continues to dispute the performance of the MACC. The select committee has to admit that the MACC has shown an impact from several aspects after its establishment in 2009 compared to the era of the then Anti-Corruption Agency.

"These include a rise in the number of cases resolved within the year that the complaints were received. The statistics can be found in the MACC annual reports and the Select Committee annual reports distributed to MPs," he said Thursday..

Abu Zahar said the committee planned to have a meeting with MPs to seek the best way to strengthen the anti-corruption agency.

"The select committee comprises MPs from all major political parties, including the Barisan Nasional, PKR, PAS and DAP," he said.

Abu Zahar said all quarters, including politicians, should understand that the MACC work procedure cannot be revealed to the public to ensure confidentiality of investigations.