PETALING JAYA: Budget 2027 places emphasis on tackling entrenched systemic corruption through a stronger reform agenda and better governance, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Welcoming the budget tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the MACC said it reflected the government's commitment to pursuing reforms without fear.
"The proposed Government-Owned Entities Bill, aimed at tightening governance among entities entrusted with managing public funds and assets, is an important step towards preventing financial scandals such as 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), the Tabung Haji crisis and issues involving the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) from recurring.
"The initiative is not merely about curbing abuse of power but strengthening governance in entities entrusted with managing the people's interests," the MACC said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 10).
MACC supported the government's decision to ensure that all loan repayments, including education and business loans, would be channelled back towards their designated purposes.
"The move demonstrates the government's awareness of the importance of ensuring that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries and are not misused for other purposes," it said.
The government's plan to disclose project details, including contractors' names and contract values, following the implementation of the Government Procurement Act from 2027 was another measure reflecting its commitment to transparency in public procurement, MACC said.
The MACC also backed the proposed study on establishing the Malaysian Law Reform Commission to identify outdated laws and legislative gaps that needed to be addressed.
It stressed that national laws must be regularly updated to close loopholes that could be exploited for criminal activities.
Meanwhile, MACC expressed appreciation for the RM1.1bil allocation to strengthen the operational capabilities of enforcement agencies, including the commission itself.
"The allocation demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening enforcement agencies' capacity to prevent and combat crimes, including corruption, bring offenders to justice and recover assets for the country," it said.
MACC said it was confident that continued support from the government and the public would strengthen integrity and improve governance, paving the way for more concerted efforts to combat corruption for the well-being of the people.
