KOTA BARU: Two more senior officers of the Armed Forces, both holding the title Datuk, are expected to be charged next week, it was revealed.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who confirmed this, however said the charges were subject to the approval of the Attorney General.
“If he agrees, we will proceed with charging two more individuals. As of now, the MACC has yet to receive a decision,” he told reporters after a media event here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Azam said the proposed charges against duo were to prioritise MACC action against highest-ranking officers.
“We are proceeding from the highest level first, before moving on to others,” he said.
Azam said he was assured that a decision from the AG would be obtained in the near future, given that the case was significant and has attracted much public attention.
“This is a responsibility that I have fulfilled, and the Attorney General also has a responsibility to charge. If there are to be no charges, I want an answer immediately. I do not want all parties to be kept waiting,” he said.
Later during a live broadcast on the RTM Kelantan talk show programme, Azam said Kelantan’s geographical position bordering Thailand posed significant risks of corruption within enforcement circles, particularly on smuggling activities.
He said to mitigate these risks, the commission has begun working with the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
He said in Kelantan, specifically in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Bukit Bunga and Tanah Merah, the issues were predominantly border-centric.
“We have identified numerous enforcement-related leakages, including tax evasion involving smuggled goods, agricultural produce, subsidised items and so on. Now we are working together with AKPS to monitor this.
“If not monitored strictly, these leakages could escalate to serious crimes such as human trafficking and narcotics distribution,” he said during the live broadcast.
Azam said clean-up operations at identified corruption and leakage hotspots must be carried out aggressively, including close monitoring of enforcement officers stationed at border checkpoints.
He said the MACC’s primary focus was on civil servants, while other enforcement agencies would continue to spearhead efforts against smuggling and related criminal offences.
“As such, we have to ensure all parties adhere to the regulations set. As the co-chairman for Enforcement Coordination (Multi-Agency Task Force), I view border security as a persistent issue involving substantial leakages that impact both the federal and state coffers,” he said.
Azam said leakages often stemmed from the involvement of a handful of enforcement officers, asserting that these activities would not thrive without elements of collusion.
“Before we take action against smugglers, we must first ensure our officers possess the highest level of integrity,” he added.
He also urged the public to assist authorities by channelling information regarding corruption or leakages, assuring them of whistleblower protection.
“There is no need to fear. Approach our officers to provide information. Should any officer reveal the identity of a whistleblower, that officer will face action.
