GENTING HIGHLANDS: The influence of social media is the biggest challenge currently faced by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), says Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya.
The deputy MACC chief commissioner (operations) said social media allows allegations, accusations and perceptions to spread rapidly without verification and before investigations are completed.
“In many instances, cases are still under investigation and evidence is still being gathered, yet MACC has already been judged in the court of social media.
“More worrying is that comment sections are often manipulated by certain organised groups to sow hatred and undermine public trust in MACC,” he told reporters at the closing ceremony of a journalism workshop organised by MACC at the Scape Hotel here on Friday (Feb 13).
Ahmad Khusairi said the commission also frequently faces public perception issues regardless of whether it acts swiftly or otherwise.
He stressed that the agency acts based on evidence, legal provisions and established procedures.
“However, when MACC takes firm action in accordance with the law, we are labelled as being selective or as a political tool.
“All actions taken are not based on social media pressure, public sentiment or the interests of any party,” he added.
Earlier, 20 media practitioners took part in the three-day, two-night workshop titled Understanding MACC’s Role in Prevention and the Fight Against Corruption.
The workshop aimed to provide journalists with exposure to the commission’s structure, functions and internal checks and balances.
Participants were also briefed on investigation processes, the handling of investigation papers and prevention programmes carried out by the commission.
