When oversight bodies seem to need oversight bodies – Terence Fernandez

theVibes.com:

When oversight bodies seem to need oversight bodies – Terence Fernandez

Crisis of confidence in MACC as advisers bicker, commissioner silent

With these new revelations, the question arises if those entrusted to keep watch over the MACC are actually complicit in contributing to its rot. – The Vibes file pic, January 3, 2022

By Terence Fernandez


REVELATIONS by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) adviser Prof Edmund Terence Gomez that his concerns over the alleged business dealings of the MACC have practically fallen on deaf ears is cause for concern.

Not only does it cast aspersions on the integrity of the very institution that is meant to eradicate graft in this country, the public exchanges among Gomez who is a member of the Consultation and Corruption Prevention Committee Panel; panel chairman Tan Sri Borhan Dolah; and MACC Advisory Board (LPPR) chairman Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang reveals something is seriously wrong in the MACC.

Gomez had called for a meeting to discuss the purported shares ownership of MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and the alleged business dealings of his and a former chief commissioner’s family members.

Abu Zahar had denied receiving Gomez’s emails only for the latter to disclose the entire email thread between him, Borhan and Abu Zahar.

With these new revelations, the question arises if those entrusted to keep watch over the MACC are actually complicit in contributing to its rot.

Gomez has questioned if a cover-up is in play. Judging by Abu Zahar’s denials of any correspondence when there is now evidence to the contrary; and the conduct of Borhan, who has not responded to his request and who has even insinuated that Gomez – a respected academic and economist is playing politics – the public cannot but question if the foxes have been put in charge of the hen house.

It would be incumbent on the MACC chief commissioner to perhaps do what he expects of others – come forward and address the allegations which include the sources of wealth and finances and business activities.

Now is not the time to be silent.

The MACC was recalibrated in 2009 from the Anti-Corruption Agency to ensure more oversight over a department that had at that time lost public confidence due to political interference and the shenanigans within its own hierarchy.

Over a decade on, it seems that the anti-graft body is again facing a crisis of confidence.

The MACC’s reputation is already tarnished following the arrests of three officers on charges of abuse of power and embezzlement involving RM25 million which was part of evidence in a case in September.

There have been calls by several MPs for a parliamentary committee to probe the allegations against the MACC leadership. This is something that should be considered to regain lost public trust.

Perhaps a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), as suggested by another former panel member Tunku Abdul Aziz, is a good start to show that the Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob administration is serious about the reforms that he had pledged to uphold the integrity of government agencies and institutions crucial for the survival of this nation from heading towards becoming a failed state. – The Vibes, January 3, 2022


Terence Fernandez is editor-in-chief of Petra News that publishes The Vibes and its Bahasa Malaysia sister portal Getaran