MACC Steps Up Fight Against High-profile Corruption - Azam Baki

 

Corruption in the public sector remains one of the biggest challenges facing the country, with the integrity of public institutions frequently questioned by the people.

This is especially so when offenders exist at every level — from support staff right up to the highest levels of an institution’s leadership — reinforcing the perception that the problem is systemic and cuts across various agencies and sectors.

Forms of corruption such as abuse of power, misappropriation of funds, leakages in allocations and unethical practices not only undermine the delivery of public services, but also hinder national development and economic growth.

To rid the country of corruption, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has intensified its efforts to detect, arrest and prosecute offenders — and ironically, the statistics on arrests and court prosecutions have also created the perception that corruption is rampant in this country.

 

Responding to questions from Bernama, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, in a written reply, said that although there has been a slight increase, the statistics do not indicate a continuous upward trend in corruption cases every year.

On the contrary, he said, the statistics also reflect the effectiveness and capability of the MACC in detecting cases, as well as the level of courage among the public to come forward and report misconduct.

Acknowledging that the corruption situation in Malaysia remains at a level that requires continuous attention, he nevertheless stressed that the issue is not something that can be resolved in a short time and instead demands consistent and comprehensive efforts involving all parties.

According to him, one of the concerning matters is the recurrence of various cases involving certain agencies, such as “counter setting” syndicate cases, which continue to occur every year.

“This is very worrying, because it is not merely a corruption issue but also involves national security, when problematic foreign nationals — who may even be on a blacklist — are allowed to enter the country by syndicates acting in collusion with enforcement personnel at entry points,” he said.

Elaborating further, Azam said that throughout 2025, the MACC has focused not only on high-profile cases but also on any form of leakages and asset recovery related to corruption offences.

As such, for 2026, this strategy will be continued, but with a more targeted approach based on feedback from Transparency International (TI) reports.

He said that although TI reported that Malaysia is free from petty corruption, the MACC remains committed and continues to devote serious attention to findings related to the existence of political corruption, which still poses a major challenge to the agency.

“So for our 2026 strategy, we must focus on sectors that we see as problematic — namely enforcement, procurement and grand corruption (abuse of political power at the highest level) — using a three-pronged strategy of enforcement, prevention and education.

“Although the challenges are increasing, the agency continues to operate with its existing manpower… through certain approaches and strategies, we will optimise the use of human resources to enhance the effectiveness of every operation carried out,” he said.

According to Azam, the MACC also understands the government’s constraints in fully meeting all the agency’s needs, and to compensate for these limitations, the MACC has increased the use of technology, such as analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

“We hope to achieve even more success moving forward, just as the MACC has succeeded in recovering assets worth billions of ringgit, including the recovery of assets related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case amounting to RM31 billion. This success contributes significantly to the national economy and directly benefits the people and the country’s development.

“At the same time, the MACC’s integrated efforts together with other enforcement agencies have also contributed to Malaysia achieving the highest ‘Regular Follow-Up’ status in international evaluations related to combating money laundering,” Azam added.

He said that for these reasons, the MACC places strong emphasis on enforcement in matters involving the enforcement sector, government procurement, public funds, grand corruption, high-profile cases and cases of public interest.

“However, I would also like to emphasise that apart from focusing on enforcement, the MACC remains committed to ongoing efforts to ensure transparent and integrity-based governance in order to prevent corruption from continuing to occur,” he said.

 

Commenting on the main factors that continue to drive corruption despite the various measures taken over the years, Azam said that weak governance, opportunities that exist within the system, and a culture of bribery that has been normalised by certain parties — for example, to secure tenders — are among the reasons the practice remains widespread.

He added that a lack of understanding of integrity values, attitudes that prioritise personal gain, and failure to comply with procedures also contribute to corruption.

“In some situations, corruption occurs because of weak internal controls or ineffective oversight.

“Therefore, efforts to combat corruption cannot focus solely on enforcement, but must also be supported by education, prevention and the cultivation of integrity in a holistic manner,” he said.

When asked whether certain sectors — such as government procurement, politics or the private sector — have been identified as being at higher risk of corruption, Azam explained that the MACC has found that sectors involving decision-making power, large financial allocations and wide discretionary authority generally carry higher levels of risk.

“These include procurement and development projects, the approval of licences or permits, certain enforcement functions, as well as transactions in the private sector that involve large-scale commercial interests,” he said.

He stressed that corruption can occur in any sector, whether public or private, if there is room for it to happen.

“Therefore, the MACC adopts a risk-based approach, where monitoring and preventive interventions are focused on areas identified as having the highest risk of corruption,” he said.

 

To strengthen investigation and enforcement involving corruption, especially among high-profile individuals, MACC adopts a more strategic, professional and intelligence-based investigation approach.

According to Azam, this includes enhancing cooperation with other enforcement agencies, financial institutions and international authorities.

“For cases involving high-profile individuals, MACC ensures investigations are conducted independently, transparently and in accordance with the law, without any interference. The principle that no one is above the law remains our core belief.

“At the same time, MACC emphasises adherence to legal processes to ensure every case brought to court is strong and credible,” he said.

MACC also continuously leverages digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics as part of efforts to modernise investigative and preventive methods.

“The use of digital systems, data analytics and information-sharing among agencies allows MACC to identify transaction patterns, financial links and suspicious activities more quickly and effectively.

“This approach not only enhances detection ability but also helps MACC act more proactively. In the long term, the use of technology will be strengthened in line with the government’s efforts to improve governance, transparency and integrity in both the public and private sectors,” he explained.

 

In carrying out its responsibilities, MACC remains committed to ensuring that investigations are conducted transparently and free from political influence or vested interests.

According to Azam, every investigation is carried out based on complaints, information and evidence received, regardless of an individual’s background or position.

He said all investigations are conducted in accordance with the MACC Act 2009, AMLATFPUAA 2001, the Criminal Procedure Code and strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

“In addition, MACC is monitored by five independent oversight bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR), the Operations Review Panel (PPO) and a Special Parliamentary Committee to ensure the transparency and independence of the institution,” he said.

On how MACC maintains public trust even though public perception of corruption often depends on the transparency of enforcement institutions, Azam said MACC recognises that public trust is its most important asset.

“MACC always emphasises transparent processes, factual disclosure and responsible strategic communication. This includes the ‘Timeline of Cases’ on MACC’s portal to inform the public on the chronology of investigations and prosecutions in cases of public interest,” he said.

Azam said MACC also consistently reports statistics, case developments, seizures and prosecutions openly, and accepts recommendations from oversight bodies and civil society for continuous improvement.

He noted that every year, MACC receives hundreds of complaints across various sectors, and only complaints that contain elements of offences under the MACC Act are fully investigated.

 

It cannot be denied that some people believe there is a lack of transparency in investigating corruption cases involving ordinary citizens versus those in high positions.

Bernama’s earlier survey found that some felt there was discrimination, because many cases highlighted in the media involved only lower-level civil servants.

In reality, MACC has prosecuted many senior figures for misappropriation of funds and other offences — but many of these cases are still being heard in court years after charges were first filed.

Responding to accusations of discrimination between “small fry” and “sharks,” Azam said MACC rejects such claims.

“MACC’s principle is clear: no one is above the law. MACC has investigated major cases such as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the Sabah Water Department scandal, cases involving the MEX Highway project, cases involving former prime ministers and cases linked to the late former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin — none of which can be categorised as small-scale cases.

“Similarly, in a recent case that resulted in charges against the former senior political secretary to the prime minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, it is clear that the MACC does not practise selective investigation and will investigate anyone, whether from the government or the opposition,” he said.

On perceptions that some cases take too long to be resolved, Azam said he understands the concern but stressed that investigation quality cannot be compromised for speed.

He said every investigation must meet a high standard of proof before being referred for prosecution.

“MACC also continuously improves case management, forensic financial technology and inter-agency cooperation to expedite investigations without compromising professionalism.

“The duration and complexity of cases depend on factors such as the number of witnesses, financial flows, cross-border elements and the need for cooperation from other agencies,” he added.

According to Azam, high-profile and grand corruption cases are usually more complex and require thorough scrutiny to ensure charges are strong and sustainable in court.

Among other high-profile cases that drew attention was the seizure of 16 kg of gold bars and various currencies totalling more than RM169 million in a ‘safehouse’ linked to a corruption and money-laundering investigation involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.

Following that case, on Oct 1, a Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court Judge, Suzana Hussin, allowed the seized funds to be forfeited to the Malaysian government after no party claimed ownership.

MACC also launched OP Rentas to combat corruption and abuse of power among enforcement officers believed to be involved in ‘counter setting’ activities at the country’s international entry points. Through the operation, 27 individuals — including 18 enforcement officers — were arrested, and 57 bank accounts worth about RM2.7 million were frozen.

 

Azam said MACC fully supports improving the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to encourage a culture of reporting corruption, including within the public sector.

He said among the proposed improvements is protection for whistleblowers who unintentionally provide information to parties other than enforcement authorities.

Currently, protection is revoked if a whistleblower is found to have disclosed information to any party other than MACC, he added.

The protection covers personal safety, career and welfare to ensure whistleblowers do not face pressure or threats.

“At present, legal reforms are being undertaken by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence in the justice system,” said Azam.

On Dec 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 will be tabled in Parliament next year to clearly distinguish genuine whistleblowers from criminals who hide behind the law.

 Anwar said the amendments are important to close any loopholes that could be exploited, particularly by hardcore corrupt individuals or criminals who claim to be cooperating with the authorities in order to avoid legal action.

 

Azam emphasised that combating corruption cannot rely on enforcement alone — it must be supported by continuous education and prevention efforts, including among civil servants.

He said through its Community Education Division, MACC conducts various awareness and anti-corruption programmes from school and university levels to government departments, enforcement agencies and government-linked companies.

“These initiatives include integrity modules, anti-corruption training, the Corruption-Free Pledge (IBR) and the embedding of work ethics to foster a culture of rejecting corruption from the start of public service.

“MACC has also introduced incentives for civil servants who report corruption, where rewards are given if reports lead to court convictions. This encourages courage and strengthens trust in the reporting system,” he said.

Azam said to broaden the impact of integrity education, MACC works closely with the Ministry of Education, higher-learning institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through anti-corruption clubs, integrity courses, public forums and awareness campaigns — including the Anti-Corruption Heroes (WAR) and Student Anti-Corruption Movement (AMAR) programmes. Integrity and anti-corruption values have also been incorporated into primary-school textbooks.

He said last year (2024), the government also agreed to MACC’s proposal to make the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Course Module (KIAR) a compulsory subject in all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions nationwide, to strengthen the national integrity ecosystem.

 

Meanwhile, Azam reminded all parties not to compromise on any form of corruption or abuse of power.

He said society must be brave in channelling information and reporting corrupt practices through legitimate channels, while also cultivating integrity, transparency and accountability in daily life.

He stressed that the effort to build a corruption-free nation is not the sole responsibility of the MACC, but instead requires the collective commitment of all parties — whether from the public sector, the corporate sector, educational institutions, NGOs or the broader community.

In line with this, Azam said the MACC will continue to carry out all its roles and functions in accordance with existing SOPs and laws.

The agency will also strengthen the capabilities of its officers and its legal support to ensure the effectiveness of every investigation, as part of efforts to eradicate corruption at the grassroots level.

“Only through proactive, comprehensive cooperation and shared awareness can we realise a fairer, more transparent and highly principled future for our nation,” Azam stressed.

— BERNAMA