PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is set to recommend charges against the Department of Environment’s (DOE) director- general and his deputy over an e-waste corruption probe.
Its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation paper (IP) is expected to be submitted to the prosecutor, with the proposal to charge the two senior officers.
“My officers have been given two weeks to complete the investigation and we will be submitting the IP by Friday,” he said yesterday.
On Jan 29, the DOE director- general, deputy director-general and an assistant officer were detained by the MACC.
Investigations have been focusing on alleged abuse of power and corruption related to the management of e-waste, believed to have occurred over several years. Several bank accounts with more than RM10mil in funds have also been frozen as part of the probe.
Azam also said the commission is working closely with Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to investigate IJM Corporation Bhd’s financial transactions and overseas assets worth about RM2.5bil.
“There are certain procedures we have to follow in terms of gathering evidence, but I don’t foresee any problems.
“We are also in the midst of exchanging information with the SFO. The process will take time, but we are optimistic it will bring mutual benefits for both agencies,” he added.
On the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Azam said the commission had set a target for Malaysia to achieve a score of at least 60 within the next two to three years.
“Accomplishing such a goal would be a very good achievement. While Malaysia’s ranking has improved, the more meaningful benchmark is the CPI score itself. Last year, we scored just over 50 out of 100. This year, we improved by two points to 52.”
