Without fear or favour

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are two important institutions preserving the peace, harmony and security of the nation and the rakyat.

Based on the important roles of these two entities, they are also expected to function as a check and balance in transparency and checking corruption. Both institutions are independent of one another.

The main challenge in police work occurs when the officers are vulnerable to corrupt elements and misuse of power.

Apart from the strict internal measures that are in place, PDRM under the current leadership has strengthened its Disciplinary Division and transformed it into the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS).

Externally, the Government has established the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) to monitor all operations and enforcement implementation.

The EAIC investigates all reports and complaints and has the authority to take legal action on any offence or failure of the agencies involved in manaenforcement matters.

The MACC is more focused on corruption cases and abuse of power by parties and individuals. The integrity and success achieved by the MACC is admirable and they have even received international recognition.

To me, the issue that is the topic of intense debate concerning MACC and PDRM at the moment is proof that both institutions are free in carrying out the duties that they have been entrusted with.

In one instance, both are united as they are part of the Special Task Force to jointly investigate a complex case involving national interest. It is proving that “nobody is above the law” as even the country’s top leadership has not been spared from the investigation.

Besides sharing information, expertise and resources, members of the task force including the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Bank Negara Malaysia must also perform “check and balance” actions on things conducted in certain areas that are exclusive to the respective institutions.

As mentioned by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, the police are only investigating the leak of classified information. That is all.

It is expected during the course of the investigations the police will question persons of interest, check documents, make arrests, conduct raids and seize evidence – all in the name of investigating the case in accordance with the law.

All that has occurred are within the context of the law and within the premise of the investigation.

All agencies should be allowed to perform their duties based on existing procedures and jurisdictions, transparently and “without fear or favour”.

Certain parties always blame the Government for so-called intervening or influencing investigations. Now, there is a foreign party that is trying to assert pressure and issue statements in favour of or blaming the agencies involved in conducting the investigation.

It is not healthy. The investigation has not been concluded. Don’t sentence or judge anyone. Don’t misuse civil servants as they are subjected to procedures and general orders of service. Don’t speculate. There are ways for certain parties to get explanations.

We also hope the country’s leadership will not make statements that might be misinterpreted. The police is responsible to the Home Minister, who will surely be informed and apprised of the latest developments in the case despite not intervening in the investigation.

We are eagerly waiting for the explanation of the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Home Minister, and the assurance of the IGP on this matter.

DATUK AYUB HAJI YAAKOB

Former Director, Bukit Aman Crime Prevention Department

(now renamed Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department)

Kuala Lumpur