MACC vows to protect all who report graft and power abuse

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has vowed to protect all those who report acts of bribery and abuse of power.

Calling for all Malaysians to be allies in the fight against graft, chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad gave the assurance that all whistleblowers would be protected.

“You must be brave to stand up against corruption because we want to assure you that MACC is behind you and will support you. This includes the business community. If they see corruption, they must say ‘No’.

“At the same time, approach the MACC so that we can take appropriate action,” he told The Star in conjunction with the launch of the Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle (Don’t Give and Don’t Settle) 3J Campaign.

MACC has partnered with Star Media Group in the month-long campaign to spur a united and concerted effort towards battling corruption.

The campaign is one of the programmes under the Gerakan Revolusi Anti-Rasuah (Gerah) movement launched nationwide on Monday.

Dzulkifli said one of his main objectives since becoming the chief commissioner last August was to forge a closer bond between MACC and the community to the extent of feeling like a member of the family.

“Let’s say in one family – there are several members who work for MACC. If there is an incident in which someone asks for a bribe, certainly, this family will have the courage to step up and help each other out.

“This is the attitude we want to create in all Malaysians so that they will be brave enough to say ‘no’ because this is their family,” he said.

Dzulkifli admitted that he faced a long and challenging task in changing public perception towards the MACC.

The latest Global Corruption Barometer Asia-Pacific report released by Transparency International-Malaysia revealed that most Malaysians lacked faith in the Government’s ability to tackle graft.