KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) considers Sabah and Sarawak as the “gold mine” states for corruption cases post-Covid-19, says Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic).
The chief commissioner said this is because after the pandemic, both these states, especially Sabah, were among the fastest to recover economically, particularly the tourism sector.
“So when there are many trade transactions, it is bound to induce corrupt practices,” Azam said during a media engagement session at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu here on Thursday.
He noted other than tourism, infrastructure and hydro power plant projects started to progress, with procurement and tendering processes held and more job opportunities opening up.
Azam said this is why the MACC has placed Sabah as one of its top priorities to monitor in view of these active trade transactions.
“So if the MACC in Sabah is quiet for a month or so, I will start asking the director here what is going on,” he said.
Azam said all the economic movements also indirectly pave the way for crime such as smuggling, leakages, corruption and other misconducts.
He noted that local authorities, government departments and agencies are also at risk of getting involved in illegal practices as opportunists can strike anytime and anywhere.
He said the possibility of mismanagement is present and that is why the MACC must monitor from all angles, even in small trades or simple transactions.
“Because sometimes, the small things when gathered, become big,” he said.
Azam added that when this happens, those paying for these crimes are the people, who are supposed to be enjoying the welfare, infrastructure and development brought about by the government.
Touching on the roles of the MACC, he said for any of the cases it investigates, the independent agency cannot act based on public opinion or have any political party meddling.
“You have to trust the MACC as an independent body, as well as other enforcement agencies. We are responsible agencies tasked with carrying out fair and impartial probes,” he stressed.
Azam said when the MACC conducts investigations, all actions must lead to a positive impact on the community.
It is also vital that enforcement agencies hold awareness and education programmes for the public while also looking at law reforms to promote good governance in the government, he said.
