‘Don’t field tainted candidates for GE14’

PUTRAJAYA: Political parties should not field candidates with tainted records in the next general election, warned Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said it was vital for political parties to choose only candidates who were truly free from any corruption cases.

“Although the Federal Constitution does not state that all contesting candidates must first undergo a background screening, we welcome the move if they request us to do so.

“But if any political party still wants to field candidates who have corruption cases or are suspected to be involved with graft, then they must face the risk of them being the subject of our investigations after the polls,” Dzulkifli said during a dialogue with senior media personnel at the MACC headquarters yesterday.

Dzulkifli said the move would help to send a clear signal to the people that political parties would not compromise on graft.

He also announced the setting up of the Anti-Corruption Media Caucus which would meet and hold dialogues on strategic cooperation to curb corruption.

Dzulkifli praised an executive councillor in Johor who resigned voluntarily while waiting for his case to be tried in court.

“We want to send a clear signal to the public that we are trying our very best to curb corruption.

“This is why we will be launching the Gerakan Revolusi Anti Rasuah (Anti-Corruption Revolution Movement) soon.

“I don’t want the MACC to be seen as a government apparatus. I want the public to see us as an agency to work for the people which is not only independent but free to take the necessary action,” he said.

Dzulkifli, who took helm in August, also urged the people to be patient with him in the war against corruption.

“Please give us your full support. I have only been here for eight months, not five years.

“My mission over the next three years is to create a society which has the strength to reject the taking or giving of bribes.

“Today’s society hates corruption but they do not have the strength or willpower to go against it,” he said.