Government cannot continue sweeping MACC scandals under the rug, said C4 Center, BERSIH

KUALA LUMPUR July 9 - The government cannot continue keeping alleged misconduct involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) out of public scrutiny, said the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) and the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH).

In a joint statement, the two civil society organisations expressed disappointment over the government’s response to calls for greater transparency on the findings of a special investigative committee into former MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s shareholding controversy.

They also reiterated calls for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of a “corporate mafia” operating in collusion with MACC officers.

C4 Center and BERSIH said the government’s refusal to disclose the committee’s findings had further widened the trust deficit among Malaysians towards the integrity of the country’s criminal justice system.

Their statement followed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s written parliamentary reply on July 7 regarding requests for transparency over the investigation.

Azalina had stated that the special investigative committee, led by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, had completed its investigation independently, transparently and professionally, with all relevant aspects examined and appropriate action taken based on the findings.

Public trust eroded by lack of disclosure

However, C4 Center and BERSIH questioned how the public could trust such assurances without access to the evidence or findings supporting the conclusion.

“The government cannot expect the Malaysian public to trust bare assertions with no evidence in support,” the groups said.

The committee’s credibility, they added, was already questioned from the beginning due to its composition, which involved senior government officials including the Attorney General, Director General of Public Service and Secretary General of Treasury.

They argued that the involvement of executive-level officials compromised the independence of the investigation and reinforced public perception that the government had something to hide.

The groups said transparency was necessary to reassure the public that the allegations were investigated fairly and impartially.

They added that the government’s continued secrecy had only intensified concerns over the handling of issues involving the country’s main anti-corruption agency.

Government urged to publish report summary

C4 Center and BERSIH said while certain documents may be restricted under existing laws due to personal information and confidentiality requirements, the government could still release an executive summary of the report with sensitive details redacted.

They pointed to the government’s decision in 2024 to release the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on the Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge issue with redactions, which allowed public disclosure while protecting sensitive information.

The groups said a similar approach could be adopted for the Azam Baki shareholding investigation.

They questioned why the government continued to withhold the findings from the public despite repeatedly stating its commitment towards transparency and zero tolerance for corruption.

On calls for an RCI into allegations of a corporate mafia involving MACC, C4 Center and BERSIH said the government’s response that it was “always open to consider” such a mechanism if deemed necessary in the public interest did not adequately address the seriousness of the allegations.

They said the response failed to provide a clear commitment on whether an independent inquiry would be established.

RCI needed to restore public confidence

The two groups questioned whether investigations involving MACC itself could provide the level of independence and impartiality required.

“The authorities tasked with investigating this matter include MACC itself. Does the government truly believe that the body which has been accused of committing misconduct will conduct an honest and impartial inquiry into the allegations?” they asked.

C4 Center and BERSIH said establishing an RCI was the minimum step required to restore confidence in Malaysia’s justice system, given the seriousness of allegations involving the country’s main anti-corruption enforcement agency.

They called for an independent panel comprising credible and respected commissioners to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and ensure the findings were made available to the public.

They added that the RCI should provide Malaysians with a clear understanding of the scope of the allegations and the actions required to address any wrongdoing.

C4 Center and BERSIH urged the government to take decisive steps to demonstrate its commitment towards accountability and institutional reform.

The groups outlined three immediate demands: publish the findings of the special investigative committee into Azam Baki’s shareholding controversy, take appropriate action if criminal elements were identified, and establish an RCI to investigate all allegations of impropriety involving MACC.

They said the Madani government must demonstrate stronger commitments towards transparency and public accountability to rebuild public trust.

“After what seems to be years of, at best, inaction and at worst, complicity, the government must make clear commitments to transparency and public disclosure,” the statement said. - DagangNews.com