Public support for anti-corruption efforts vital

OF late the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) has been very much in the news – and all for the right reasons. It has been very active and quick in responding to reports of corrupt practices in both the public and private sectors.

While it deserves the gratitude of all Malaysians, the agency can also do with a little help from the rest of us to make its work more effective in ridding society of nefarious activities that rob the nation of much needed financial resources, and that fly in the face of good governance.

It is important to note that anti-corruption efforts require a holistic and multifaceted approach involving the active participation of civil society, the media, and other stakeholders. Collaboration, transparency, and accountability are key elements in the fight against corruption.

Firstly, we need clear procedures and channels for reporting corruption while maintaining the confidentiality of whistleblowers. In the past, there have been cases of government whistleblowers being put in “cold storage” in their careers after coming forward. Legal protection for them must be strengthened to maintain confidentiality.

Second, the public must be educated about the positive impact reports by whistleblowers can have on society and why it is necessary for all of us to support such persons publicly.

Third, the government should ensure that the MACC has a large enough budget for investigations, prosecutions, training, and technological infrastructure, including the use of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms.

There also must be regular assessments of its effectiveness and, where necessary, corrective measures must be taken to improve strategies and maintain transparency and accountability.

A matter of concern, however, is this: about 60% of cases that are under investigation by MACC involve politicians or those connected to politicians.

Could the reasons for this be due to some of the following factors?

Politicians hold positions of power and influence over policy decisions, resource allocation, and governance. This power can provide opportunities to access illicit financial benefits and favours. Also, politicians often have discretionary powers that allow them to make decisions that can directly or indirectly benefit themselves or their associates.

In some cases when there is a lack of oversight, politicians may feel emboldened to participate in corrupt practices.

Furthermore, political campaigns and activities require significant funding, and politicians often rely on donations and contributions from various sources to finance them. Some politicians may feel indebted to those who financially support them and may be more susceptible to engaging in corrupt practices to maintain funding or secure future support.

All these factors contribute to the perception that politicians are more susceptible to corruption.But it is important to note that not all politicians are prone to corruption, and many on both sides of the divide work diligently to serve the public interest and uphold ethical standards.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Member, Malaysia Integrity Institute