PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must strengthen its intelligence gathering, financial analysis, forensic capabilities, technology and inter-agency cooperation to tackle increasingly complex corruption offences.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said advances in technology, cross-border transactions and the growing volume of data meant the commission must continuously improve its ability to detect and uncover new modus operandi.
“The MACC cannot rely entirely on old and conventional methods. We must continue to move forward, progress and enhance our capabilities,” he said in his speech in conjunction with the MACC’s 59th anniversary at its headquarters here on Thursday (Oct 1).
Abd Halim said MACC personnel should also broaden their knowledge of the law, technology, data analysis, finance, communications and forensics.
“Learn through experience, as well as mistakes. The world is changing, knowledge is expanding and modus operandi are also changing; therefore, we too must keep pace with these changes.
“The experience of previous generations must be combined with the energy, ideas and new thinking of the younger generation, in keeping with the times,” he said.
Abd Halim said the MACC had handled several high-impact cases involving public procurement and funds, strategic national institutions, border enforcement, environmental management and sophisticated financial crimes.
“Among those receiving attention were investigations involving the top leadership of the armed forces, Felda and the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report concerning Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).
“There was also large-scale misappropriation of funds, share transactions worth hundreds of millions of ringgit, as well as syndicates exploiting the immigration system digitally,” he said.
Abd Halim also expressed his appreciation to MACC personnel involved in recent high-profile investigations.
“The tasks were carried out tirelessly, without expecting any rewards. They were willing to sacrifice their time and energy,” he said.
