PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied allegations that it prevented individuals from lodging complaints, describing the claims as baseless and an attempt to create negative perceptions of the commission’s enforcement procedures and security protocols.
The MACC said it remained open to receiving complaints and information related to corruption from any party, regardless of an individual’s background or position.
However, it said all complaints must comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) and security protocols to ensure the safety of its premises, smooth official operations and the protection of information.
“Entry control at MACC premises is a standard practice implemented consistently for all visitors and is not discriminatory or intended to prevent anyone from making a report,” the commission said in a statement on Wednesday (May 13).
The MACC added that its premises are subject to the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 (Act 298), which stipulates that only individuals with valid permission, passes or permits are allowed to enter designated areas and are subject to security checks and instructions by authorised officers.
The commission also dismissed claims of gender-related issues in the complaint-recording or statement-taking process.
It said officers carrying out such duties are bound by professionalism, ethics and investigation procedures prescribed under the law and the commission’s internal regulations.
The MACC said it strongly rejected attempts to manipulate security SOPs and enforcement procedures to build a narrative that the commission was trying to obstruct or restrict the complaint process.
It stressed that the commission remained committed to carrying out its responsibilities professionally, independently and with integrity, in line with the law and principles of justice.
