Latest news with #MACC
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
- Malaysia's Commitment to Fighting Corruption Through UNCAC
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. The second cycle (2015–2019), conducted by Timor-Leste and Eswatini, focused on Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery). Under UNCAC's Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM), Malaysia completed two cycles of peer review. In the first cycle (2012–2013), the Philippines and Kenya reviewed Malaysia's compliance with Chapter III (Criminalisation and Law Enforcement) and Chapter IV (International Cooperation). Malaysia signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on 9 December 2003 and ratified it on 24 September 2008. This important decision marked a new chapter in Malaysia's efforts to fight corruption. Since then, Malaysia has introduced significant reforms and implemented measures aligned with international standards as required by UNCAC. The reviews also identified 35 good practices, highlighting Malaysia's notable progress and adherence to UNCAC's standards: From these reviews, Malaysia received 22 recommendations aimed at strengthening its legal framework, institutions, and processes in areas of prevention, criminalisation, international cooperation, and asset recovery. Malaysia in UNCAC review mechanism Malaysia actively participates as a reviewer in the UNCAC review mechanism. In 2019, Malaysia and Burkina Faso jointly reviewed Palestine, with Malaysia reviewing Chapter V (Asset Recovery) and Burkina Faso reviewing Chapter II (Preventive Measures). In 2020, Malaysia partnered with North Macedonia to review Georgia, where Malaysia assessed Chapter V (Asset Recovery), and North Macedonia reviewed Chapter II (Preventive Measures). Currently, Malaysia is working alongside Argentina to review Vanuatu. Malaysia, having previously reviewed Chapter V (Asset Recovery), is now reviewing Chapter II (Preventive Measures), while Argentina reviews Chapter IV. These collaborative efforts demonstrate Malaysia's ongoing commitment to international cooperation in fighting corruption. Active participation of MACC in UNCAC platforms The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is Malaysia's focal agency for UNCAC matters. MACC actively participates in international UNCAC platforms such as the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Groups on Asset Recovery and Prevention of Corruption, the Implementation Review Group (IRG), and the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP). Furthermore, MACC officers regularly serve as speakers and panellists and frequently make interventions on thematic topics discussed during these meetings, showcasing Malaysia's strong presence and contributions in global anti-corruption discussions. From these reviews, Malaysia received 22 recommendations aimed at strengthening its legal framework, institutions, and processes relating to preventive measures, criminalisation, international cooperation, and asset recovery (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, 2025). Some specific recommendations highlighted by UNCAC reviewers, on which Malaysia has already taken concrete steps, include adopting a coordinated national anti-corruption strategy, enhancing the independence of anti-corruption authorities, and strengthening corporate accountability. In response to these recommendations, Malaysia launched the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019 – 2023 in line with UNCAC Article 5. This comprehensive plan focused on reducing corruption risks in critical sectors such as political governance, public procurement, corporate governance, law enforcement, and judicial integrity. National Anti-Corruption Strategy Building on this initiative, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has introduced the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, whereby the NACS sets out five strategies and 60 sub-strategies to be carried out over its five-year duration on education, public accountability, the people's voice, enforcement, and incentives. Under UNCAC Article 6, Malaysia is revising the requirements for appointing and dismissing of the MACC Chief Commissioner, ensuring greater independence and transparency in the perception of this crucial role. Additionally, efforts are underway to propose a MACC Service Commission to provide MACC with enhanced independence and operational autonomy, including oversight over personnel matters. On criminalisation and law enforcement (UNCAC Chapter III), Malaysia amended the MACC Act 2009 by introducing corporate liability provisions (Section 17A), effective June 2020. This provision makes corporations accountable for corruption offences committed by their employees or associated individuals, aligning national legislation with UNCAC Article 26 on liability of legal persons. Throughout these reform initiatives, Malaysia prioritises inclusive engagement, involving government agencies, members of Parliament, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and international stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures reforms are practical, widely supported, and aligned with both national priorities and UNCAC standards. As Malaysia advances on its anti-corruption journey, the sustained implementation of UNCAC recommendations and active engagement on the international stage reflect a clear commitment to integrity and reform. While challenges remain, the tangible progress achieved lays a solid foundation for continued improvement. By maintaining momentum, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering a culture of transparency and public accountability, Malaysia has the potential to emerge as a regional and global leader in anti-corruption efforts – setting a compelling example of how consistent, principle-based action can drive lasting change. -- BERNAMA Rasidah Abdul Karim is Director of the Policy, Planning and Research Division (BDPP) at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The Star
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
I'm not the kind of PM who orders arrests like a dictator, Anwar says of Sabah mining scandal claims
Anwar arriving at the KDCA in Penampang to officiate Kaamatan. KOTA KINABALU: Prosecution of any alleged corruption can only be done with proof and according to procedure, not ordered arbitrarily, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I don't want to be a Prime Minister who is like, 'Oh, we must arrest' or 'Oh, we must charge'," he said when officiating the Sabah-level Kaamatan celebration in Penampang near here on Friday (May 30). "I am not a dictator who (orders) arrests immediately,' he stressed, adding that the fight against corruption must be waged at all levels. He said he has a duty to maintain peace and uphold the law, but not to the extent of prosecuting without investigations and proof. Anwar was commenting on the so-called "whistleblower videos" implicating state ministers and assemblymen in a mining prospecting scandal. ALSO READ: MACC to review alleged full, unedited Sabah corruption scandal videos 'I want to be straightforward. What's the use of only saying nice things that sound good? I did not want to get involved (at first, when) those videos... were circulated. 'But when things grew hotter, of course I asked the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) about it,' he said, adding that a thorough investigation was ongoing. He said people questioning why he did not intervene had made it sound like he was trying to cover up the alleged graft. 'We are not a country of perception. These things cannot be handled based on perception, accusation and slander,' Anwar said. ALSO READ: 'Whistleblower' videos will be a factor in Sabah polls, says Bersatu's Kiandee As Malaysia is a nation that works on the law, Anwar said videos released in bits and pieces could not be used to charge people without proper investigations carried out and referred to prosecutors, who would then decide. During the event, Anwar urged state leaders and the community to work closely with the Federal Government to uphold sovereignty, boost socio-economic development, and fight for rights as well as other matters related to the people's well-being.
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
MACC seizes RM32m in luxury property, vehicles and cash from Tan Sri over false highway project claims
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized luxury assets worth RM32 million from a Tan Sri who is under investigation for allegedly making false claims and misusing loan bonds related to a highway construction project in the Klang Valley. According to a source, MACC investigators from the Investigation Division confiscated the assets during raids on two residences belonging to the Tan Sri in the capital today. 'MACC seized nine luxury vehicles including Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover cars, with an estimated value of nearly RM7 million,' the source said. 'In the same operation, MACC also seized 217 luxury watches worth around RM5 million, 27 designer handbags valued at over RM1 million, and jewellery worth more than RM4 million,' the source told Harian Metro. The source added, 'MACC also found a storage area containing a wide variety of luxury alcoholic beverages at one of the residences, estimated to be worth around RM3 million.' These items are believed to be linked to money laundering activities. 'During the operation, MACC also seized a luxury condominium unit in the capital, estimated to be worth RM12 million,' the source said. All items and properties were seized for further investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). Last month, media reported that four individuals, including a Datuk Seri, were arrested on suspicion of submitting false claims totalling around RM360 million. The suspects — three men and one woman aged between their 50s and 70s — were detained when they came to give statements at the MACC office. They are suspected of submitting false claims worth about RM360 million using sukuk funds for a highway construction project in the Klang Valley valued at approximately RM1.3 billion between 2016 and 2017. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was reported to have said that three investigation papers were opened after the probe began on May 9. He said, 'In the investigation, MACC seized RM1.9 million in cash, two luxury vehicles worth RM900,000 and bank accounts containing RM34 million.'
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Misappropriation of highway construction funds: MACC seizes RM32m worth of assets believed to belong to Tan Sri
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized various assets worth RM32 million believed to belong to a highway concessionnaire with the title 'Tan Sri', following an investigation into the misappropriation of highway construction sukuk funds in the Klang Valley on Thursday (May 29). According to a source, among the items seized were handbags, jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches and cash after the MACC Investigation Division searched two residences belonging to the individual in the capital. The source stated that in the search, MACC seized 217 luxury watches of various brands estimated to be worth about RM5 million, 27 handbags worth over RM1 million and jewellery valued at RM4 million. 'During the search, MACC also seized nine luxury vehicles such as Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover worth almost RM7 million,' it said. The source added that following the search, MACC also found a storage containing various types of luxury liquor in another residence estimated to be worth about RM3 million and believed to be linked to money-laundering activities. 'In the same operation, MACC also seized another luxury residential unit in the capital estimated to be worth around RM12 million, which is believed to belong to the individual,' he said. The source also explained that all goods and assets were seized for the purpose of further investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLA) 2001.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
MACC seizes RM32m in assets from ‘Tan Sri' over sukuk probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized various assets worth RM32 million believed to belong to a highway concessionnaire with the title 'Tan Sri', following an investigation into the misappropriation of highway construction sukuk funds in the Klang Valley on Thursday (May 29). According to a source, among the items seized were handbags, jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches and cash after the MACC Investigation Division searched two residences belonging to the individual in the capital. The source stated that in the search, MACC seized 217 luxury watches of various brands estimated to be worth about RM5 million, 27 handbags worth over RM1 million and jewellery valued at RM4 million. 'During the search, MACC also seized nine luxury vehicles such as Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover worth almost RM7 million,' it said. The source added that following the search, MACC also found a storage containing various types of luxury liquor in another residence estimated to be worth about RM3 million and believed to be linked to money-laundering activities. 'In the same operation, MACC also seized another luxury residential unit in the capital estimated to be worth around RM12 million, which is believed to belong to the individual,' he said. The source also explained that all goods and assets were seized for the purpose of further investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLA) 2001.
