Government defends its anti-graft efforts

PETALING JAYA: The Government has defended its record in fighting corruption, showing as evidence the increase in the number of cases that have seen convictions.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) conviction rate had soared from 58% in 2009 to 78% last year, while the country had also improved three places from 53 out of 175 countries in 2013 to 50 in 2014.

This was the second best track record in Asean after Singapore, he added.

“But we intend to do far more. We have set ourselves the aim of being in the top 30 by 2020, and are looking into plans to strengthen the independence of both the MACC and the office of the Auditor-General,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, noted that last year, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption had praised Malaysia for its efforts in tackling graft.

“Malaysia received recommendations for best practices in a total of 23 areas – the highest number out of all countries reviewed,” he added.

This included the absence of a statute of limitations, which helps to stop wrongdoers from evading prosecution, and the establishment of 14 specialised anti-corruption courts, which are to hear cases within a year.

The UN convention had also praised Malaysia for taking steps to expedite extradition procedures and simplifying requirements for evidence.

The Government was also praised for its initiatives within the private sector, such as the signing of 142,000 integrity pacts to fight bribes and collusion, he added.

Dr Ahmad Zahid added that the Public Accounts Committee would also be re-instituted during the next parliamentary sitting and continue with its inquiries, taking heed of the calls made at the International Anti-Corruption Conference, now being hosted by Malaysia.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said it was unfortunate for heads of international non-governmental organisations to come to Malaysia, only to be duped into recycling baseless allegations and unwittingly involving themselves in the country’s internal politics.

“We are confident that we will win the war against corruption, and will continue reforms to improve integrity and transparency within the public and the private sectors.

“Those who are found to have violated the law will be charged and prosecuted. The Prime Minister has already made this clear. But, let me repeat it: there will be no impunity,” he said.

Support anti-graft agencies, public urged

STD lesson for graftbusters

MACC signs MoUs with Timor Leste and Maldives

Adenan and graft watchdog clash over Taib