The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is offering an “olive branch” to offenders, urging them to surrender voluntarily in exchange for a lighter sentence.

New chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad called upon those involved in corrupt practices and abuses of power to step forward or be prepared to face the full brunt of the MACC’s enforcement.

“If actions have been taken, there is no need to see us. For those who are feeling the heat, they can come.

“We will study and discuss with the Attorney-General’s Chambers on what actions could be taken (for a lighter sentence) as the question of prosecution is under their purview,” he said in an interview with Bernama at his office here on Saturday.

Even though the overture was offered in a calm tone, his firmness was clear when he stressed that the MACC would not discriminate in its effort to flush out corruption.

Dzulkifli, 48, who took over on Aug 1, said his primary focus would be to enhance integrity in the public and private sectors.

He said for the MACC to mean business, the warning would translate into raids of government or private offices if there was evidence of corrupt practices.

“Soon, there will be friendly visits from us,” he said, adding that after being on the job for two weeks, it was enough to understand the MACC and it was time to see the results.

“I’m a man of few words. I like to warn those involved to stop immediately. This is not an empty warning,” he said.

Dzulkifli said stern measures, including freezing, confiscating and forfeiting properties would be enforced more aggressively.

“We will use provisions of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

“The motivation for offenders who get involved in corruption is money and property, so we will ensure whatever acquisitions made through illegal means will be frozen, seized and forfeited, and not just by bringing them to court,” he said.

Dzulkifli said to ensure the action was more effective, the freezing of properties could be carried out even if the person was just a suspect and while the case was still under investigation.

He said the move to freeze properties was not limited to properties owned by the suspect but also to properties transferred to the accused’s family members.

Dzulkifli said those who allowed their names to be used to hide assets acquired through corruption and abuses of power would also not be spared.

“The jail sentence is insufficient if the accused has acquired millions of ringgit, and could still own the properties after serving time,” he said.

Dzulkifli hoped that the move to forfeit the rights of properties would be a deterrent.

“We already have information on various civil servants who live beyond their means and it is just a matter of time for us to act,” he said.

On the level of corruption in the country, Dzulkifli said Malaysia was not as bad as other countries, but if corruption was an accepted norm, it would eventually burden the nation.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by THE STAR

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