PETALING JAYA: State Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chiefs must understand the corruption risks and priority targets unique to their respective jurisdictions, says Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic).
The MACC chief commissioner, speaking on the SPRM podcast uploaded yesterday, said both small and large states face distinct risks and public concerns that officers must assess and address.
“Take Kelantan, for example. Issues there involve the border and the theft of minerals and forest resources. These are sources of leakages in Kelantan.
“You need to work smart. If you only carry out routine work like arresting people off the street, then we are not being effective.”
Azam added that economically strong states such as Selangor and Penang were also areas requiring close attention.
“These are gold mines, not for arresting people, but in terms of economic and graft issues where we must assist,” he said.
On asset recovery, Azam said the process is not linear, but stressed that his aim is to strip criminals of their illicit gains.
“Money stolen through crimes such as fraud, scams and illegal activities like narcotics actually belongs to the people. If they steal it, we will take it back.
“I have said before, if possible, I want to bankrupt these criminals.
“I previously mentioned a RM10bil recovery target, but that involves all agencies. Do not rely solely on the MACC. We are not revenue collectors, but we are committed to reclaiming stolen funds.”
Addressing allegations that the MACC targets only bribe recipients and not givers, Azam said this was inaccurate.
“In recent cases involving Datuk Albert Tei and Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, we charged both the giver and the receiver.
“Most of those charged are recipients because they pressure and create a stressful environment, forcing others into paying bribes under duress. If you don’t pay, you are finished.”
On the broader fight against corruption, Azam stressed the importance of proactive investigations and intelligence gathering.
“Data collection, especially financial data, must be thorough before investigations begin. Today, suspects rarely keep money in their own personal bank accounts. They use proxies, move funds overseas or rely on cryptocurrency.”
On his eventual retirement and succession, Azam said he hopes his replacement will come from within MACC.
“I pray that my successor is also someone from MACC. We understand the agency better but if our officers do not equip themselves with knowledge, the people outside will look at us the wrong way.”
