IT saddened me to hear that unscrupulous people are even exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic to make quick money out of the suffering of the rakyat. The announcement by the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) that it is probing allegations of corruption and irregularities in Covid-19 related procurement shows the apparent state of corrupt practices in this country.
It is disgusting to hear of these individuals taking advantage of and exploiting the pandemic for their personal gain at the expense of the people. Such actions are way out of bounds of conventional morality. Also, they indicate obvious loopholes in the procurement procedures, which need to be revamped.
The former Health Minister welcomed the investigation by the MACC and assured people that he will give the fullest cooperation in assisting the investigation – as he should since this allegedly happened on his watch.
The MACC must leave no stone unturned and bring those responsible to face justice. Having said that, should the MACC uncover flaws in the standard operating procedures relating to procurement, it must work with the Public Service Department and endeavour to correct them to ensure that there are better safeguards and safety parameters to avoid leakages.
It is indeed scary that, of late, the MACC has uncovered so many corruption cases that have caused the loss of millions of ringgit of the people’s money. Integrity has gone down the drain, it seems. It is as though corruption is a new normal in our lives.
I salute the MACC for a job well done and I wish its officers the very best in their undertakings. Fight corruption without fear or favour for a better Malaysia.
DATUK WEE BENG GEE
Petaling Jaya
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