PUTRAJAYA: Anti-graft officers going out for operations and enforcement activities will now use body cameras to ensure transparency and to protect them from any allegations, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner said enforcement officers, including those from the agency, were open to wild accusations during their course of duty.
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"To make things worse, in this era of sophistication, those with ill intention have used social media to spread accusations and their propaganda towards our officers.
"This can result in MACC's image being tarnished and baseless threats of legal actions," he said when launching the body-worn camera to be used by the agency's enforcement officers.
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Azam said as an agency that upholds integrity and professionalism, the MACC is committed to carry out improvements that could protect it from accusations and allegations.
"This is why we have decided on the use of body cameras which can record both audio and visuals of all incidents that happen during an investigation process.
"I believe by using the body cameras, it will protect MACC officers, those assisting investigations and even suspects," he said.
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The chief commissioner said in the event where there are allegations of wrongdoing by officers in the field, the body camera could be used to confirm the allegations.
A pilot project was carried out in December last year and this had received positive feedback, he added.
"It is our hope that with the use of the body camera, the aspiration of the people for the MACC to transform, boost efficiency, be transparent and free will be proven," he said.
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