New MACC chief vows action on graft in civil service
Holding to the principles of trust, firmness and fairness in carrying out its duties based on the law, the Commission will be going all out to eradicate corruption in the country, especially among civil servants to prevent leakages of government revenue as well as ensure justice is served.
These were among the matters given emphasis by new MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad in an exclusive interview with Bernama today, which is his first appearance with the media following his appointment on August 1.
The interview by Bernama Assistant Editor Sharifah Nur Shahrizad Syed Sharer and Crime Desk head Syarifah Hunaini Syed Ismail with Dzulkifli focused on his appointment as well as in leading MACC.
The following is the transcript of the Bernama interview with MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad:
BERNAMA: How do you see your appointment as the new boss of MACC from your earlier position as the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team director in the Attorney-General's Chambers?
DZULKIFLI: I accepted the appointment as a trust on me and I wish to thank the government for believing in my capability as well as giving me the opportunity to head MACC.
Even though the trust placed on me is very heavy, I promise to discharge my duties and responsibilities conscientiously as I am not only answerable to humans but I also need to carry out the trust of Allah.
When I was the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team director, we had cooperated with MACC on matters relating to corruption and combating leakages to the country's revenue.
In this regard, I see my appointment as MACC Chief Commissioner as a continuation of the positive cooperation between the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team and MACC.
I will share my experience as the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team director as well as my involvement in the prosecution of several corruption cases and high-profile illegal money laundering cases with MACC officers. It would certainly help to launch and expand further efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption.
BERNAMA: On the first day on duty, you pledged you would be fair. Can you elaborate further what you meant?
DZULKIFLI: The fairness I meant is based on the principles of law in protecting the rights of the complainant and the accused.
The complainant has the right to report offences committed by any individual. So too the individual who is accused, the person has the righs to be defended until he is proven guilty (innocent until proven guilty).
As a law enforcement agency which holds to the motto (Trusts, Firm, Fair), MACC will continue to ensure justice is upheld and the rights of individuals be protected until proven guilty.
Every MACC action will ensure it is taken without fear or favour based on the laws as well as not influenced by anyone.
Every complaint will be evaluated fairly without bias. All the above is what the concept of fairness is about.
BERNAMA: There are certain perceptions about Datuk's appointment as the MACC Chief Commissioner is usually appointed from among MACC staff and you are seen as an outsider. There were differing views expressed. What is yours, Datuk?
DZULKIFLI: Appointing an outsider as MACC Chief Commissioner is not something unusual.
ACA/MACC had been headed by police officers, Administrative and Diplomatic officers and officers from the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Therefore, I am not the first officer from the Attorney-General's Chambers to be entrusted to head MACC.
At the same time, I am very thankful to all MACC personnel who had and are giving good cooperation to my leadership.
I believe that so long as we hold on to our (MACC's) motto as well as discharge our responsibilities according to the law and regulations, my actions will be well-received by MACC staff.
BERNAMA: What will be your immediate focus, Datuk?
DZULKIFLI: My primary focus in the near term is to ensure the civil service is free from corruption, misappropriation and abuse of power. Focus will also be given to agencies in enforcement, supervision, local authorities and government-linked conmpanies in line with the goals of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP).
We do not want the civil service tarnished by corrupt acts or senior officers seen living far beyond their means or accumulating properties from corrupt practices.
Those who have no morals can cause the entire civil service to be tainted and frowned upon.
Besides that, the role of integrity officers should be strengthened so that the civil service's integrity and governance can be improved. This is to reduce leakages and ensure the civil service delivery system achieves a higher level of efficiency.
BERNAMA: Enforcers of laws like the police or MACC are frequently seen as being bold to arrest only minnows and not the “big fish”. So under your leadership, what will the MACC do, especially in fending off this general perception.
DZULKIFLI: I wish to stress here that the issue of minnows or sharks is only tied to perception.
MACC has investigated many high-profile cases before. Most of these cases were brought to justice and high-profile individuals were also punished.
Therefore, my task and role is not only to continue efforts focusing on high-profile cases but also cases of public interest.
This does not mean that we will sideline small cases as corruption has no boundaries. Whether it is of small or big value, corruption is still an offence.
At the same time, careful planning will continue to be carried out to raise the capability of MACC officers to ward off any bad perceptions.
BERNAMA: What is the main challenge Datuk expects will be faced by MACC in the near future and how will you address it?
DZULKIFLI: Combating corruption has always been an issue which is politicised. All actions taken by MACC in curbing corruption in the country have also become political polemics.
This is the biggest challenge faced by MACC. But I believe challenges like these can be handled by MACC when it continues to act with integrity, fairness and firmness based on the law.
BERNAMA: What do you hope to achieve in one year as MACC Chief Commissioner?
DZULKIFLI: I hope MACC's actions in combating corruption in punitive and preventive aspects will improve the public service delivery system.
Nonetheless, I am aware the matter would be quite impossible without the cooperation of the people with MACC. Therefore, the people must support and cooperate with MACC in fighting corruption. This is because the issue of corruption is a people's issue and the MACC should be seen as being with the people and as the protector of the people.
Nevetheless, the answer is to combat corruption right to the grassroots collectively, and it should not overburden any particular enforcement agency.
Besides that, MACC will step up cooperation with the Attorney-General's Chambers, National Audit Department as well as other enforcement agencies to fight corruption holistically to produce better results.
BERNAMA: What are the improvements you would like to bring to MACC?
DZULKIFLI: Firstly I would like to thank Tan Sri Abu Kasim Mohamed who headed the MACC before this as well as the changes brought to MACC. I appreciate his contributions and at the same time, I want to raise further the capability and efficiency of officers to investigate in line with current developments in technology as corruption transactions are getting increasingly complex.
Apart from that, I want to see the role of MACC in raising integrity whether in the public or private sector having a higher impact.
In my opinion, the driving factor for corruption to thrive is greed among those with the power and position regardless of whether they are holding high or low positions.
Therefore, MACC will focus on efforts and actions to seize properties which were acquired from corrupt practices by using the provisions and powers under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 as well as the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
I also wish to take this opportunity to advise and warn those involved in corruption and abuse of power to stop immediately before the MACC comes after you. ― Bernama
from Malay Mail Online | All http://ift.tt/2b1xyef
Today updated news promoted by Mukah Pages
Post a Comment