RM3.5bil in assets and funds seized by MACC since 2020

The Star

20 hours ago

BANGI: Some RM3.5bil in assets and funds were seized by graft busters since 2020, says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
He said there had been 34,819 reports from 2020 to April this year.
'From the reports received, 5,145 investigation papers were opened while 5,703 individuals were detained.
'Of those detained, 2,479 have been charged and 1,274 were found guilty by the courts.
'We also seized some RM3.5bil in assets and funds and performed forfeiture of RM27.8bil of assets and properties during the five-year period,' he said during the MACC Law Enforcement Accreditation Programme convocation ceremony yesterday.
In his speech, Azam stressed on the importance of the role played by the graduates in anti-corruption enforcement.
'You are not only expected to be corruption-free but you have the responsibility to create more awareness and understanding towards the importance of combating corruption,' he said.
Azam said the MACC will not compromise in taking action against any individual, including its own officers, if they are involved in corrupt activities.
'Be the unsung hero who is firm in holding on to your principle. Integrity is priceless and must be preserved,' he said.
Later at a press conference, Azam said the length of investigations for high profile graft cases had been shortened by enhancing the skills of officers and adoption of new technology.
'In the past, a high-profile case could take us up to one-and-a-half years to complete the investigation paper but now, we can do so within six months,' he said.
'This is a credit to our approach, which focusses on equipping our officers with skills and the use of latest technology.'
Despite MACC having to deal with more than 30,000 reports since 2020, Azam pointed out that increasing the MACC workforce is not an answer to dealing with the situation.
'I don't see how adding a large number of MACC officers is the solution to effectively combat corruption in this country.
'The most important thing is our approach.
'For example, about 10 years ago, we would need to dispatch many officers to conduct surveillance.
'But now, we just use technology to locate suspects and witnesses,' he said.
Azam also said the MACC would collaborate with various parties, especially in technical and forensic accounting.
'For example, we worked with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants to assist in asset tracing and forensic accounting.
'We also form international cooperation to assist with our investigations,' he added.
Azam said the public could expect announcements soon of several high-profile cases being brought to court, which is proof of how quickly MACC is now able to conclude its investigations.