KOTA KINABALU: While media reports on corruption cases may not be considered “direct evidence”, they often provide valuable leads for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to initiate investigations.
Recognising the media’s vital role in the fight against corruption, Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy stated that numerous cases have been uncovered thanks to media coverage, leading to successful investigations.
“With the country’s ongoing digital transformation, the media plays an essential role, particularly in helping the MACC disseminate information related to our investigations and expose corruption cases,” he said at an engagement session with the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) on Wednesday.
Also present was SJA president Datuk Muguntan Vanar.
Karunanithy described the media as a “partner” of the MACC, emphasising that when corruption stories are published, they provide the MACC with opportunities to delve deeper into investigations. He noted that the media also plays a crucial role in spreading awareness of corruption prevention and promoting government initiatives aimed at combating corruption.
Regarding public perception of the MACC, Karunanithy mentioned that people are responding positively to their efforts, citing successful cases that have resulted in recovered funds and the prevention of further corruption.
He also pointed out the presence of integrity officers in all government ministries, who help maintain transparency and accountability.
In Sabah, for example, collaboration with integrity officers led to the successful operation codenamed Op Fly, which targeted the illegal sale of “flying passports”, a practice involving forged passport renewals.
