MACC Form Strategic Alliance With China Academy Of Discipline , Inspection & Supervision
BY : Yip Ai Tsin
BEIJING – A simple but meaningful visit on 25 November 2013 by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to the China Academy Of Discipline, Inspection & Supervision (CADIS) enabled bridges to be built between both sides.
Led by Deputy Chief Commissioner Dato’ Zakaria Jaffar, the two-day visit to CADIS included the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Academy Director Dato’ Abdul Wahab Abdul Aziz. The visit serves as an initial foundation of ‘constructing a bridge’ for MACC’s strategic alliance with CADIS. Hopefully it will generate more individuals who will be trained as qualified anti-corruption officers.
MACC Form Strategic Alliance With China Academy Of Discipline , Inspection & Supervision
Dato Zakaria, in his discussion, remarked that Malaysia has no doubt about choosing CADIS as collaborative partner based on its excellent track records. CADIS has been well-known for producing world class professional anti-corruption officers and it is also a long standing provider of quality and accommodating experience, as seen in MACA’s previous collaboration with CADIS.
The focal objectives were to produce competent and professional anti-corruption officers of international standing. Considering that Malaysia is the anti-corruption hub for the Asian region, it is in an advantageous position to lure participants from other Asian countries to pursue programs at MACA.
There was also a short visit to China Ministry of Supervision Vice-Minister Hao Minjin’s office. Mr Hao expressed support for this venture as he believed this kind of effort will be beneficial to all. Furthermore, this is also in-line with the government transformation program as well as the MACC Chief Commissioner’s mission to elevate the status of MACC through anti-graft initiatives abroad.
During the meeting at CADIS campus in Hanjian District Beijing, Dato’ Abdul Wahab was involved in a broad range of discussions to further the international development agenda between both academies. He thanked CADIS Executive Vice-President Wang Yongjun for extending the collaboration.
He added that MACA is looking forward to materialize this initiative. Evidently, this initiative proved that MACA supports technical assistance, knowledge transfer and exchanging of ideas among the international community.
Minister to IAACA Delegates: MACC & MACA Successful In Upholding Governance and Integrity
PANAMA CITY – The setting up of a Governance and Integrity Ministry by the Malaysia government bears testament to the strong political towards achieving a corruption-free society, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan to the international delegates.
Malaysia Joined OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transaction
During the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 25 November 2013 hosted by the Panama government, he also highlighted the success stories and achievements of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as well as the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA).
Among the highlights of his keynote address:
1) MACC
Fashioned after the ICAC of Hong Kong (SAR), the MACC unlike its predecessor, is now “detached” from the Prime Minister’s Department and reports directly to the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board and the Parliament (Select) Committee on Corruption.
Additionally the MACC’s core functions of prevention and investigation are scrutinized by the Corruption Prevention and Consultation Panel, the Operation Review Panel and a Complaints Committee.
A Service Commission has also been formed to streamline hiring of specialized resources, and the status of the Chief Commissioner is being elevated to be on par with the Auditor General, Attorney General and Judiciary in terms of his independence.
2) MALAYSIA’S KEY ANTI-CORRUPTION INITIATIVES
Hand-in-hand with punitive and integrity measures as per the MACC Act 2009, the Government has also implemented several additional initiatives under its NKRA – Fighting Corruption Strategy as follows:
1. Enactment of the Witness Protection Act 2009.
2. Enactment of the Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2010.
3. Setting up specialized courts to try corruption cases.
4. “Name & shame” data base for offenders prosecuted for corruption offences.
Additionally, we have also embarked on other integrity enhancement initiatives:
· Corporate Integrity Pledges (CIP) by companies or corporate bodies to uphold principles of integrity in doing business (to date about 279 CIPs have been signed).
· Integrity Pacts (IP) between the Government and its vendors not to participate in corrupt practices.
· Electronic procurement processes to ensure transparency and reduce human interaction in bidding, etc.
· Doing away with lobbying through the use of “support” letters to influence decision makers.
· “Hot” job rotation exercise – to overcome officials establishing unhealthy relationships with suppliers.
· Reducing bureaucratic delays – cutting down usage of long complicated processes, one-stop centre for government services.
New initiatives of the Government include:
· Removing middlemen in Government Procurement.
· Inclusion of criminal liability of legal persons clause in the MACCA 2009.
· Amending existing provisions of the MACCA 2009 in regards to asset declaration.
One recently announced development is that the MACC will head and oversee Integrity Units in all Ministries, Government Departments and Agencies (mainly high-risk organisations). The Units will be headed and supervised by experienced officers from the anti-graft body itself.
3) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
On 2nd September 2010, Malaysia was one of the first to sign the Agreement for the setting up of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) – a joint initiative between the UNODC – and contributed RM 1 million towards its initial establishment. The Chief Commissioner of MACC currently serves as the Vice Chairman of IACA’s Board of Governors.
The MACC is also one of ten Southeast Asian Anti-Corruption Agencies to have signed a MoU on Preventing and Combating Corruption within the region – called the South East Asia Parties Against Corruption (SEA-PAC).
4) PROCESS OF REVIEW
Comments made by the experts from the Philippines and Kenya in the recently concluded desk review and country visit processes on Malaysia’s implementation of Chapters III and IV of UNCAC have been noted and taken to serve as a positive guide for our future improvements.
With regards to this, Malaysia would like to thank the Secretariat and these experts for having done an excellent job during the first review cycle for Malaysia. Some of the successes and good practices in implementing Chapter III and IV of the Convention are:
· 14 specialized anti-corruption courts have been in existence since 2011. Judges are instructed to hear cases within one year and can be held accountable for non-compliance. Other initiatives which helped to reduce the case backlog were the introduction of pre-trial conferences and plea bargaining.
· Various initiatives on corruption prevention are carried out with the private sector, such as integrity pacts, monitoring committees for large projects and integrity pledges. Large Malaysian corporations regularly employ Integrity Officers and have no-gifts policies in place. MACC provides training for the private sector and has seconded a small number of MACC officers to large companies.
· Malaysia has in place specialized and skilled manpower who actively cooperate with their foreign counterparts. Dedicated training, capacity building and exchange programmes – including through MACA – are among the international good practices for information exchange, cooperation and corruption prevention.
· The use of joint investigations and an operational working group with Brunei Darussalam are good examples of law enforcement cooperation among countries at the policy and operational level.
5) KUALA LUMPUR STATEMENT ON ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGIES
On behalf of the anti-corruption authorities as well as national planning authorities from the 20 South, East and Southeast Asian countries (namely, in alphabetical order: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Thailand and Vietnam) I would like to take this opportunity to make a statement formulated during the Asia Regional Meeting on Anti-Corruption Strategies held in Kuala Lumpur between 21-22 October 2013 organized jointly by UNDP Pacific Centre and UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia with the Government of Malaysia.
The Kuala Lumpur Statement on Anti-Corruption Strategies is formulated in line with Article 5 (1) of UNCAC which states:
Article 5 (1) of UNCAC specifies, that “each State Party shall, in accordance with the fundamental principles of its legal system, develop and implement or maintain effective, coordinated anti-corruption policies that promote the participation of society and reflect the principles of the rule of law, proper management of public affairs and public property, integrity, transparency and accountability.”
This statement does not pretend to supersede the UNODC/ UNICRI “Technical Guide to the United Nations Convention against Corruption” on Chapter II Article 5, but has been developed to fine tune and enhance said “Technical Guide” to further promote the implementation of the Convention in a sustainable and manageable manner by all State Parties, noting that compliance with the Convention is not an end by itself.
The participants at the Meeting which also represented State Parties to the Convention have agreed to a set of guidelines termed “The Kuala Lumpur Statement on Anti-Corruption Strategies” mainly because it was formulated at the host-country, Malaysia. The participants also support the commitment of Malaysia to make this statement officially at the Conference and urge that all State Parties to the Convention adopt these guidelines as complementary to the Technical Guide.
Allow me also to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the Asia Regional Meeting on Anti-Corruption Strategies namely UNDP Pacific Centre and UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia for spearheading this initiative in anticipation of the Second Review Cycle on Chapter II of UNCAC.
6) COUNTRIES IN REVIEW BY MALAYSIA
Year 4 will see Malaysia reviewing both the good countries of Palau and Turkey.
Anti-corruption is a common task facing every country in the world, and strengthening exchanges and cooperation in anti-corruption has become an inevitable choice of the international community. Given differences in the level of economic development, political and legal systems, historical and cultural background, as well as in legislation, investigation, prosecution and punitive measures for fighting and preventing corruption crimes, countries and regions may be different in their anti-corruption work development. Nonetheless, we should, in the spirit of mutual respect, mutually benefit and support one another to jointly fight and prevent transnational corruption crimes.
7) MACA
I want to use this occasion to reaffirm that Malaysia stands committed to share and exchange information intelligence with our international anti-corruption counterparts. We shall continue to strengthen our international commitment through the provision of capacity and capability building and provide technical assistance to other member states.
The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) offers training programs tailored to both local and international participants, and is one of the strong supporters of the IACA – which will be conducting one of the seven modules of its Masters in Anti-Corruption Studies Programme in Kuala Lumpur.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Appointed IAACA Vice-President
PANAMA CITY – Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed was appointed Vice-President of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) during its seventh annual meeting in Panama City from 22 to 24 November 2013.
IAACA was established during a special meeting at the United Nations’ office in Vienna on 19 to 20 April 2006. Malaysia is among the founding members of IAACA. The main objective of IAACA is to encourage and support the implementation of the United Nations Conventions Against Corruption (UNCAC) effectively. Until now, IAACA consists of more than 300 members from anti-graft agencies and anti-corruption authorities throughout the world.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Appointed IAACA Vice-President
Tan Sri Hj. Abu Kassim bin Mohamed, MACC Chief Commissioner, was appointed as an IAACA Executive Committee member at 2010 and this organisation holds its meetings and conferences every year. Every member countries were involved in the discussions and every chapters of UNCAC are closely examined. Other activities were also held such as training, expo as well as information exchange and collection of anti-corruption data to encourage effective implementation of UNCAC.
Tan Sri Hj. Abu Kassim, 53, views his appointment as a recognition to MACC as well as Malaysia, due to active contribution and involvement in anti-corruption efforts at international level.
Tan Sri Hj. Abu Kassim added that the latest development shows that MACC’s corruption fighting initiatives since its establishment in 2009 have gained world wide attention and acknowledgement.
This appointment shows that the international community and world organizations recognized Malaysia and MACC’s achievements in fighting graft.
This appointment is the second international recognition accorded to him and MACC. In 2012, he was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) Board of Governors which is based in Vienna. This Academy is an educational anti-corruption institution under the auspices of the United Nations.
MACC’s Involvement During the 7th IAACA Annual Conference and General Meeting
During the Seventh IAACA Annual Conference and General Meeting, the MACC Chief Commissioner was given the honour as the first presenter during the plenary session. Anti-corruption heads from ICAC Hong Kong, Tanzania Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, India Central Vigilance Commission, Brazil’s Office of the Comptroller, France Central Service for the Prevention of Corruption, Papua New Guinea Ombudsman Commission and Romania National Integrity Agency presented as well.
During his presentation, MACC Chief Commissioner shared Malaysia’s experiences in transforming the Commission whereby the transformation has brought positive impact to Malaysia’s corruption prevention efforts.
The theme of the Conference was “Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption: Challenge and Opportunity” and it was held at ATLAPA Conference Centre in Panama City starting 23 November 2013.
During his opening speech, IAACA Presiden Professor Cao Jianming praised Malaysia’s commitment, especially MACC Chief Commissioner’s role in IAACA as well as his contribution towards anti-corruption efforts at the international arena.
NOTE TO EDITOR
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) President Datuk Akhbar Satar congratulates Tan Sri Abu Kassim.
“This appointment is another recognition and acknowledgement of the international community towards Malaysia and MACC. It elevates the Commission to the next level,” he said.
Datuk Akhbar opined that the latest development proved that the anti-graft initiatives by MACC have gained the attention of the international community. He added that this recognition was also the result of Malaysians’ support towards MACC in combating corruption.
YB Senator Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor, who is a member of the Special Committee on Corruption, said that every Malaysian should support MACC’s anti-corruption initiatives and be proud of the recognition given by IAACA.
“This appointment is a huge recognition towards MACC’s efforts as well as for every organization and individuals who were committed to fight corruption in this country alongside MACC.
“We should be confident of the anti-corruption initiatives that were implemented. Although certain individuals have negative perceptions and made all kinds of accusations, I am sure there are people with integrity who recognize our efforts, as seen in Tan Sri Abu Kassim’s appointment by IAACA,” he added.
He hoped that with this recognition, it would raise the enthusiasm of all MACC officers to fight corruption regardless of the challenges they faced.
Other International Accolade Accorded to MACC
Master of Corruption Studies (MACS)
MACA is the first anti-graft academy in the world to be chosen as a centre of learning and it is entrusted to conduct Module 6 of the ‘Master of Corruption Studies’ programme offered by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (a higher learning institution with university status) based in Vienna, Austria. This 24-month programme combines distance learning with seven, twelve-day on-site modules.
Placement of MACC Officer in INTERPOL
In 2011, Interpol made a request to the MACC for an officer to be placed at the corruption prevention unit in INTERPOL.
Because of this, MACC appointed its officer Mohd Hafaz Nazar from the Investigations Division to serve at the INTERPOL Directorate in Lyon on a two-year contract beginning from 2012. Among the tasks and responsibilities that were given by the INTERPOL include developing capacity building amongst Asean countries and fostering cooperation between European nations. Mohd Hafaz was one of the four officers who were chosen among several countries to be placed at INTERPOL. [ENDS]
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
Putrajaya
25 November 2013
Siasatan SPRM Terhadap 1Azam Dapat Selamat Dana Daripada Terus Diseleweng
Sinar Harian, Selangor
20 Sep 2013, by MOHD FAZU ZAINUL ABIDIN &
ROBIATULADAWiYAH ABD RASHAD
PUTRAJAYA – Siasatan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) berhubung program 1Azam diharapkan dapat menyekat lebih banyak penyelewengan wang rakyat. Sepanjang program itu, kerajaan telah memperuntukkan sebanyak RM1.2 billion dan 132,511 individu layak menerimanya di seluruh negara sejak projek perintis dijalankan akhir Januari 2010 lalu.
Ketua Pesuruhjaya SPRM, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed berkata, siasatan menjurus kepada individu yang cuba melakukan salah laku berkaitan program itu.
“Program yang dilakukan adalah baik untuk rakyat, tetapi ada individu yang cuba mengambil kesempatan terhadap peruntukan yang disediakan ini,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas penahanan bekas setiausaha politik kepada Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Datuk Suhaimi Ibrahim dan beberapa individu bagi tujuan membantu siasatan.
Ketika ditanya berhubung status siasatan, Abu Kassim enggan mengulas lanjut kerana siasatan sedang berjalan.
Jelasnya,pelaksanaan beberapa program meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat dan golongan sasaran dilakukan kerajaan sangat baik dan bermanfaat.
Namun di sesetengah organisasi terdapat individu mengambil peluang demi kepentingan diri.
“Dalam organisasi mereka menjadi titik hitam ini perlu dikeluarkan supaya matlamat dan objektif berjaya,” katanya.
Dalam perkembangan lain bagi membendung kegiatan salah laku dalam agensi kerajaan mahupun swasta berlaku, Abu Kassim berkata, SPRM ada menawarkan Khidmat nasihat dan rundingan.
“SPRM mengalu-alukan mana-mana kementerian, kerajaan negeri, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) mahupun swasta yang mahu khidmat profesional mereka berhubung integriti dan perjalanan prosedur bagi mengurangkan gejala rasuah.
Selain menasihatkan, pegawai SPRM juga ditempatkan di organisasi itu,” katanya. Tambahnya, kejayaan pelaksanaan dibuktikan dimana salah satu negeri menggunakan khidmat SPRM, berjaya meningkatkan hasil buminya melalui kutipan cukai yang sebelum ini merosot.
Sinar Harian, Selangor
20 Sep 2013, by MOHD FAZU ZAINUL ABIDIN &
ROBIATULADAW1YAH ABDRASHAD
Brunei – Malaysia Officials Meet On Anti-Graft Cooperation
DANIEL WOOD
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
BRUNEI’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) hosted yesterday, the Ninth Annual Bilateral Cooperation Meeting with their Malaysian counterparts to further collaborative work between both bodies.
The meeting discussed various topics, centering on the sharing of investigation methodology, with a particular focus on trans-border crimes related to corruption.
According to an ACB statement, officials from the ACB and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will meet for two days to share information leading to positive transformation in the efforts of both agencies to strengthen their abilities in handling investigations on corruption, especially those involved in cross-border criminal activity.
In his welcoming speech, Hj Muhammad Juanda Hj A Rashid, Director of ACB noted the joint milestones achieved since the last meeting in August 2012, including the successful ACB-MACC Convention and the cooperation network established through their working groups, which led to capacity building trainings for ACB officers in the fields of intelligence, investigation and money laundering investigation.
He also congratulated the Malaysian delegation for their work during the October IAACA Conference, which “was a huge and meaningful success in reflecting the roles and international-level confidence shown by MACC and Malaysia to the world to cultivate and highlight its attempts against corruption”.
In turn, MACC’s Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Hj Abu Kassim Mohamed praised the spirit of collaboration between both agencies.
It was also noted that “the use of joint investigation and an operation working group with BMR are good examples of law enforcement cooperation among countries at the policy and operational level”.
“This is a model that should be highlighted. Our interaction far exceeds expectations of international protocol… The learning curve other than our formal discussion, is the informal discussions. I learn a lot from you,” said the chief commissioner.
MACC reported the success of ACB/MACC cooperation through Article 49 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), as recognised through an Executive Summary published by the UN.
The meeting will further table corruption trends in both countries, while including talks on anti-corruption and integrity education conducted by the MACC.
This is considered to be the approach in its ongoing transformation programme aiming to realise a collective and dynamic anti-corruption initiative in Malaysia.
Several presentations are expected at the meet on aspects of operations, prevention and integrity education.
The meeting will also explore future training opportunities as well as officer exchanges within law enforcement, prevention and education in specific areas to build the capacities of the agencies’ staff members.
The annual event which started in 2002 aims to be a platform for information and experience exchange as well as brainstorming between the anti-graft agencies of both countries, in which joint operations are also discussed.
by :
The Brunei Times
Going after corrupt firms the right decision
WALTER SANDOSAM
THE Merdeka anniversary celebrations are always a time to reminisce about the past and inevitably it also entails looking towards the future.
As the country acknowledges its past, it has to recognise that all may not be as one intended.
The rapid economic progress has bred the cancer of corruption.
The Prime Minister’s comment “I want to make corruption a part of Malaysia’s past, not its future” in “Corrupt firms in hot water” (The Star, Aug 31) appears at first glance to be wishful thinking, yet it is a serious statement of intent.
Is this an achievable vision? Are the correct signals being sent out to society at large which continues to harp on corruption?
For any vision to become reality it has to be supported by the necessary infrastructure to achieve results. Relevant laws have to be introduced or existing ones strengthened to allow for successful prosecutions.
The proposed corporate liability provision which penalises companies involved in corrupt practices sends out the right message.
It signals the death knell for corporations which indulge in these unhealthy activities.
The “big fish” are essentially fed by such corporations to whom ethics and good governance play second fiddle to the ultimate objective of increasing shareholder value.
In this manner, the demand and supply side which continue to propagate corruption will be dealt with simultaneously.
Those who speak the loudest on perceived corruption levels which are then translated into results of corruption perception indexes now have to begin to appreciate that the landscape has changed.
Both individuals as well as corporations could be hauled up to court.
The enforcement authorities are taking the offensive by improving their capabilities in forensic accounting to investigate those whose assets are not commensurate with their income levels.
These are the structural changes which will no doubt bear fruit.
The greater challenge is to change prevailing mindsets of company directors and business owners to whom corruption has become standard operating procedure.
Enactment of laws can be done at the stroke of a pen – changing cultural norms takes much more work but is not an insurmountable task.
Has the correct signal been sent to the corporate community?
The MACC has trained and emplaced certified integrity officers namely in government agencies and government-linked companies.
That again is an infrastructure enhancement initiative albeit an important one in the fight against corruption.
Mindset change has to permeate to the operating level – the level that is the most prone to either receiving or accepting bribes.
It is a function of greed and not adequate remuneration. The greatest danger is if it is pervasive throughout the operating entity.
The regulators of companies operating in Malaysia should take the cue from the government’s stance on corruption to ensure that all directors have the correct mindset.
Mandatory training programmes for directors of public listed companies should include components that embrace ethics, integrity and governance.
There is a need for frameworks to buttress such initiatives. It is acknowledged that this is a long process but changing mindsets is a key ingredient if corruption is to be relegated to the annals of history.
Corporations which continue to operate unethically will be weeded out and have to face the law with regard to corruption.
Those who have participated in corporate integrity pledge exercises and regarded these as merely public relations exercises devoid of any commitment to anti-corruption principles should now be wary of the consequences under the corporate liability provisions.
It is the responsibility of business owners and directors to ensure that correct ethical values cascade to all levels of the company.
Integrity has to be a prerequisite disposition. Stakeholders at all levels of society have to take responsibility and not take the easy way out by blaming the operating environment or the enforcement authorities.
This is the way forward for a better Malaysia which is corruption free. It has to be a collective vision.
WALTER SANDOSAM
Kuala Lumpur
GLOBAL IKTIRAF, ILTIZAM ‘ KUBUR RASUAH ‘
4 September 2013
Bertolak daripada pandangan saya minggu lalu, tulisan kali juga memfokus keperluan kita menjauhi rasuah. Rasuah perlu diperangi. Perang ini memerlukan pendekatan dan strategi holistik.
Sehari sebelum kita menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan Ke-56, Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dalam ucapannya ada menyebut empat perkara penting, yang berkait satu sama lain, yang harus kita renung bersama. Salah satu perkara itu membawa maksud dan hasrat yang sama, yang pernah dilontarkan oleh Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Kerajaan sekali lagi mengulangi komitmen untuk memerangi rasuah. Pada majlis penutupan Program Etika Melatih Jurulatih Majlis Kerjasama Ekonomi Asia Pasifik di ibu negara Jumaat lalu, Najib antara lain berkata, “saya mahu menjadikan rasuah sebagai sejarah di Malaysia, dan tidak berlaku lagi pada masa depan.”
“Dan ini bermakna mengubah budaya organisasi dan perniagaan,” tambah beliau.
Dalam ucapannya, Najib juga berkongsi pengiktirafan Pejabat Pertubuhan Bangsa- Bangsa Bersatu Mengenai Dadah dan Jenayah (UNODC) terhadap penegasan SPRM dalam membanteras rasuah. Pengiktirafan itu jelas menunjukkan pihak masyarakat antarabangsa mengiktiraf ketelusan dan kebebasan SPRM.
Penegasan Najib itu juga selari dengan usaha-usaha kerajaan selama ini termasuk mewujudkan tadbir urus serta portfolio integriti dalam Kabinet yang bertindak menyelia hal-hal berkaitan integriti dan ketelusan selain memerangi rasuah dalam bidang korporat. Kerajaan juga telah mewujudkan Jawatankuasa Keutuhan Pengurusan bagi memantapkan pengurusan di sektor kerajaan dan baru-baru ini memutuskan untuk mewajibkan penubuhan Unit Integriti di setiap agensi kerajaan, yang bertanggungjawab melaksanakan enam fungsi teras iaitu tadbir urus, pengukuhan integriti, pengesanan dan pengesahan, pengurusan aduan, pematuhan dan tatatertib.
“Dengan taraf agensi antirasuah (SPRM) yang diangkat kepada status sebuah suruhanjaya bebas, dengan mekanisme kawal selia sendiri, adalah satu contoh terbaik. Walaupun kita belajar daripada amalan terbaik di peringkat antarabangsa, SPRM telah ………………
Sila baca lanjut Artikel Penuh: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Rencana/20130904/re_06/Global-iktiraf-iltizam-kubur-rasuah#ixzz2dsO3cGh1
Over 20 quizzed, 400 files scrutinised in Taib’s alleged corruption: MACC
by : Sin Chew Daily 1 July 2013
PUTRAJAYA, June 29 (Bernama) — More than 20 individuals have been questioned and 400 files scrutinised in the corruption case allegedly involving Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to date, said the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC).
MACC Investigation Division Secretariat assistant commissioner Lim Bee Kean said the individuals were believed to be involved and cited in a Youtube video linked to the alleged case.
“Actually, investigations had been ongoing since June 2011, even before the video exposure,” she told a media conference at the MACC headquarters here today.
The video entitled,’Inside Malaysia’s Shadow State’ was allegedly a recording of a conversation between a personal investigator for a London-based non-governmental organisation, Global Witness and two of Taib’s cousins.
Lim said to expedite the investigation, a special team comprising 10 officers from the MACC, Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and other agencies had been set up, and that the investigation report would be submitted to the AGC for further action.
She said once the investigation had been completed and a decision made by the public prosecutor, MACC’s Operations Assessment Panel (OAP) would be acknowledged on the status of the case.
“The OAP, an independent panel made up of individuals representing various professional backgrounds is tasked with ensuring transparency and impartiality in investigations carried out by the MACC, she said.
Lim said the MACC was also monitored by the Special Committee on Corruption, which comprised government and opposition state assemblymen and members of parliament.
She said the MACC conducted all the cases without fear or favour and in this regard, had received full cooperation from the individuals concerned including Taib.
“As in other cases prior to this one, the MACC will not divulge the investigation details, in accordance with Section 29(4) of the MACC Act 2009.
“As this case involves numerous documents and parties, the investigation will probably take time for the collection of evidence, statements and in light of new developments,” she said.
Govt on track in fighting corruption
KPI ACHIEVED: NKRA director saysMalaysia has earned praise for its efforts
The key performance indicator (KPI) under the National Key Results Area (NKRA) in fighting corruption has been fully achieved. NKRA against corruption director Datuk Hisham Nordin said the targets had been evaluated by an international
panel which recognised the determination of the government to stamp out corruption.
“The international panel praised our country for its seriousness in fighting corruption. This is not cosmetic or rhetoric, but something real in the GTP (Government Transformation Programme) framework,” he said after participating
in the Helo Malaysia talk show over BernamaTV on Tuesday.
Hisham said one proof of the government’s sincerity in fighting corruption was the setting up of an anticorruption KPI through the NKRA and improving the country’s ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index.
He said fighting corruption was an ongoing process because various aspects had to be evaluated. “It is a continuous work in progress. It has no end. We cannot say one day that we can stop fighting corruption. There is no ending in the fight.”
He said it was a major challenge to educate the people on the government’s efforts to fight corruption. Hisham also said a training module on integrity and the assimilation of noble values was being drawn up with the Malaysian AntiCorruption
Commission to instil values and ethics in elected representatives.
“The training may be conducted for the new members of parliament and state assemblymen after the 13th General Election.” He also said Barisan Nasional’s “Promise of Hope” manifesto was not a bribe for votes because it was a promise of common benefits and not only given to certain individuals. Bernama
Fight corruption, DIY style
People have the power to question mischievous officials
by : M. KRISHNAMOORTHY from Petaling Jaya
We always seem to ask what the MalaysianAntiCorruptionCommission (MACC) or the Government is doing tofight corruption while not realising that therewe can take steps on our own. Yes, it is time the man on the street realises that he can take the bull by the horns and demand for justice and efficiency.
However, before embarking on such a mission, it is important to be clear on your rights and know the facts. Let me give you an example of how I used this doityourself approach to help a friendrenew his business licence.
Recently, an engineer friend of mine told me that he had applied for a business licence renewal through a runner as he did not have the time to go through the process personally. However, after eight weeks, there was still no news, and’his wife, who ran the business, was afraid that they would be operating without the licence.
According to my friend, the runner had told him that the delay was because no “undertable” payment had been made to expedite the renewal process. However, the engineer felt this was unnecessary as it was just a simple renewal. “I am afraid that if I make a fuss, I might be penalised by the council.
“According to my runner, the officials in question would not settle for anything less than RM500,” my friend told me when he appealed for my help, knowing that I had assisted other friends in similar situations.
As I am a firm believer in two principles —
“Love all, serve all” and “Service to man is service to God” 1 could not refuse and followed the engineer to the licensing office. At the counter, I asked why the renewal had taken more than two months when it would normally take less than two weeks.
I also raised my voice and asked the receptionist, “One runner told me you want some extra money before approving the application. Is this true?” The receptionist denied that any such request had been made, and I further queried why it
had taken so long, especially since Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had called on public servants to respond to complaints within three days. The receptionist said she would check on the matter and returned 10 minutes later, saying that she could not locate the original application.
Since 1 had feared this would happen, 1 was prepared and told her that we had all the paperwork with us. She filed our application and said the authorities would make an appointment to inspect the premises within a week to ensure compliance
with the conditions of the licence.
My friend and I were happy as we thought that the problem had been solved. However, the following day, the engineer told me that his runner had said certain officials were asking for kickbacks before issuing any approval. I immediately told him that we would be visiting the council again.
This time, I did not mince my words as I said to the clerk, “Do you need any extra money for the approval? “If you do, please tell me who wants it and I will report the name to your superiors!” The clerk insisted that no extra “payment” was required and introduced us to another officer.
“We will not have to come to your premises for an inspection and your application has been approved. If you wait for a short while, we will give you the new licence,” the new officer told us. Within 15 minutes, my friend’s licence was renewed, at no extra cost While it may seem like a small victory, it contains lessons for everyone on how to tackle corruption.
We should take the initiative to question the authorities if there is any delay. We must know the deadlines set out in the authority’s client charter and use this as an indication of untoward delays.
At the end of the day, all government departments carry out their own internal audits and if we, as consumers, highlight our difficulties, any wrongdoing will come to light, providing a check in the system. We must be brave and willing to question the authorities.
We must be proactive and take the initiative to ensure that we do not fall for underhanded dealings. It is because of fear that we become victims of corruption.
So, pick up you courage, know your rights and the facts and question the authorities in your own personal fight against corruption.
