KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption and improving the integrity of state administration through close cooperation with the Sarawak Government.

MACC Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki said that MACC greatly appreciates the strong support given by the state leadership, especially by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg in ensuring that the integrity and the good governance agenda can be implemented without disruption.

“The state government is very supportive of the Sarawak MACC, especially in our efforts to improve integrity and also combat corruption in Sarawak and I have seen many initiatives by the Sarawak Government in efforts to improve integrity, especially in the establishment of the Ombudsman in Sarawak.

“This is an establishment that I personally support for the interests of the government and the people of Sarawak.

“Other efforts have indeed received support and there has been no interference from the Sarawak Government in matters related to investigations and so on.

“Therefore, among the things emphasised by the Sarawak Premier, he said that we must continue to conduct investigations against anyone, especially civil servants, who commit corruption and abuse of power in the state of Sarawak,” he said.

He said this to the media after paying a courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here on Friday.

Tan Sri Azam added that among the cases often investigated in Sarawak involve abuse of power, accepting bribes related to projects, and false claims that lead to an outflow of state finances which affect the well-being of the people.

He explained that this outflow occurs when projects are not completed, not implemented at all, or do not meet standards and ultimately the people bear the consequences, including the risk of accidents or infrastructure losses.

He further emphasised that the MACC is now focusing on high-profile investigations and the return of illegally acquired assets, including in Sarawak.

Commenting on the Sarawak Ombudsman, Tan Sri Azam said he personally fully supports the establishment of the body, which is the only one in Malaysia and has the role of monitoring compliance with governance and government administration.

He also described the level of corruption cases in Sarawak as not worrying, with the state leadership having the political will to ensure that all trusts can be implemented effectively.

Also present were Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak MACC Director, Hasbillah Mohamad Salleh and other senior MACC officers. -UKASnews