MACC: We shouldn't be the only body investigating the AG's report

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) said they should not be the only body to shoulder the responsibility of investigating the revelation from Auditor General’s report 2012.

According to a statement by the MACC Investigation director Datuk Mustafar Ali not all form of actions have to be taken by them.

“There are some actions that have to be taken by the department head including the agencies’ board of ethics.

He said a lot of people assumed the MACC was the sole body that carried out action against the issues raised in the report.

“MACC will carry out action according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 based on the cases with bribery, abuse of power, fraud and embezzlement.

He said the cases involved mishandling of internal systems and procedures, actions should be carried out by the respective agencies based on the law.

MACC has already reviewed the issues raised in the AG’s report as well as new ones presented in Parliament on Tuesday.

As of now 15 cases with elements of bribery have been opened by MACC and they are reviewing all issues raised in the report to ensure there are elements of bribery.

“MACC will investigate thoroughly before presenting to the Assistant District Attorney for further action,” said Mustafar, adding that can recommend the agencies on the code of conduct can be taken.

Mustafar further explained MACC had no power to demote, suspend or fire any civil servant who failed to adhere to the rules, laws, systems and procedures. Only the Public Service Department (JPA) and Public Service Commission (SPA) had the jurisdiction to do so.

This was a response to the opinion was expressed by former Transport Ministry Secretary-general Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam in The Sun newspaper.

MACC also hopes the respective head of departments will take action against those who had engaged in misconduct, so that the things reported in the AG’s report are not repeated.

Recently, SPRM had announced that they will form a special task force with the National Audit Department. The task force will detail action plan, suggestions and next course of action that can be taken for those found to have committed bribery, embezzlement, fraud and abuse of power.