PUTRAJAYA: Newly appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman has pledged to strengthen efforts to combat corruption, abuse of power and misappropriation in the country.
In his maiden address on Wednesday (May 13), Abd Halim expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him to lead the anti-graft agency and called on all MACC personnel to shoulder the responsibility entrusted to them.
"The mandate carried by officers must not only be carried out with integrity, but should also serve as a pledge that every MACC officer is duty-bound to uphold.
“Challenges, constraints and obstacles in carrying out our duties are unavoidable, but they must be addressed wisely and in accordance with the laws and directives that have been set,” he said while chairing a meeting with senior and division directors at the MACC headquarters here on Wednesday.
Earlier, Abd Halim arrived at the MACC headquarters at about 8.20am and was received by deputy chief commissioners Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya (Operations), Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman (Prevention), and Datuk Junipah Wandi (Management and Professionalism), along with senior officers of the commission.
He later clocked in by scanning his access card and placing his palm on a digital tablet as a symbolic gesture marking the start of his duties as MACC chief commissioner.
Abd Halim also reminded officers to avoid any form of misconduct or oppression while carrying out their responsibilities and to continuously address weaknesses whenever mistakes occur, whether intentional or otherwise.
He acknowledged that public perception towards the MACC could not be ignored and stressed that every officer must carry out their duties diligently to preserve the credibility of the commission.
On enforcement matters, he said investigations and prosecutions must move in tandem to ensure cases brought to court could proceed more smoothly and effectively.
Among the reforms to be introduced, he said, would be stronger coordination between the MACC’s investigation and prosecution divisions to facilitate the work of officers involved.
In addressing the shortage of investigation officers, Abd Halim suggested strengthening internal placements while emphasising the need for continuous public education on corruption prevention.
