MACC: We'll go after both 'big fish' and 'small fish'

PETALING JAYA: All complaints of corruption will be investigated no matter how 'big' or 'small' the suspect is, says Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil.

"We do not choose someone based on their position. We will investigate individuals regardless of their position, whether they are the 'big guys' or 'small guys'. As long as the issue concerns corruption, we will investigate," he said during an interview with macc.fm to discuss the MACC prevention division's achievements and plans for 2017.

"We know we need to carry out effective methods. We need to ensure we can create a corruption-free system. It is the only way for us to garner confidence, not only from Malaysians, but internationally as well," he said.

He also said that the MACC only had investigative powers, and it was up to other entities to prosecute.

"We only conduct investigations from an operational viewpoint. The decision to bring them to court is carried out by the Attorney-General and the courts to make their judgement," he said, adding that each entity in the criminal justice system had a specific role to play.

Shamsun Baharin also said that Government agencies and government-linked companies would be the MACC's main targets over the next three years, with a strategic plan in place from 2017 to 2020.

He also lamented the accuracy of information shared on social media, and added that certain parties only chose to share some of the facts to suit their interests.