Gobind: MACC investigating Finas for alleged graft

MISC is fully committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability throughout our businesses and operations.

PETALING JAYA: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has confirmed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) for alleged misappropriation of allocations.

Its Minister Gobind Singh Deo said an MACC investigation is underway on a number of “disputed” Finas allocations for 2017.

The announcement comes after MACC officers were spotted at Finas headquarters on June 7.

“The MACC should be given room to investigate the matter and relevant parties should cooperate with them,” said Gobind in a statement on Tuesday. 

Gobind also expressed hope that MACC will conduct a thorough investigation into Finas’ past allocations to determine if there are any inconsistencies and weaknesses.

He added his ministry would accept proposals that can strengthen Finas and would not tolerate any forms of graft in agencies or department under its jurisdiction.

Gobind said any element of corruption, leakages or abuse of power in Malaysia’s creative industry could weaken the healthy competition which is necessary for the growth of the industry.

He said it would also disrupt the development of the industry as a whole. 

“If the investigation reveals that Finas is guilty of any of these elements, then strict action must be taken legally or internally to immediately address this matter,” said Gobind.