I REFER to the statement by Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner, Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed, who vowed that he would take steps to restore the credibility of the organisation when he takes over the top post from Jan 1, 2010.

I acknowledge that it is no easy task to redeem the credibility of MACC and public confidence in a short span of time. However, Malaysians may not be that forgiving in granting any further extension of time to MACC in bringing persons alleged of corruption to justice.

Thus, time is of essence in any effort to redeem the credibility of MACC and public confidence.

Undoubtedly, the public views corruption as the main cause of wastage of government funds, increasing government expenditures that lead to greater budget deficit.

I believe corruption is one of the indirect causes which lead to the introduction of various forms of taxes to replenish government coffers.

These include the reintroduction of the five per cent Real Property Gains Tax (which now applies even for property acquired more than five years), the imposition of RM50 service tax for every credit card (notwithstanding calls for exemption for one credit card per Malaysian) and the soon to be tabled Goods and Services Tax (which is viewed as taxing the poor via consumption).

In turn, corruption would indirectly burden all Malaysians (except the perpetrators). Thus, the success of MACC in lowering the rate of corruption is crucial to every ordinary Malaysian and the possibility of removal of any unnecessary taxes on Malaysians in future.

In this regard, I would like to propose to Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed for him to consider after taking over the post of MACC Chief Commissioner:

1. MACC would automatically investigate any form of corruption or misappropriation of funds highlighted in the Auditor General’s Annual Report (irrespective of whether the matter occurs at the federal or state level BN or PR government).

MACC should publish an annual report on the actions taken by MACC on the Auditor General’s Annual Report.

To date, a large number of the reported alleged wrongdoers highlighted in the Auditor General’s Annual Report (since the formation of MACC) have not been charged and the government has failed to recover the misappropriated funds.

2. MACC should disclose in an annual report how many of the reported cases per year that they have received  and what are the actions that had been taken.

For cases which MACC have decided not to take action on after the lapse of six months after receipt of the public complaints/ reports, MACC must list the reasons for their failure or reluctance to prosecute.

I would again like to congratulate Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed as the new MACC chief commissioner come Jan 1 and wish him all the best in weeding out corruption in Malaysia.

Tan Keng Liang
Kedah Gerakan Youth Chief