Transparency International Malaysia lauds ACA’s swift arrests of suspects based on the Auditor General’s Report 2006
TI-M applauds the investigation carried out by the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA), based on the Auditor General’s Report 2006 which highlighted mismanagement of public funds by various ministries. This has led to the subsequent charging of 8 government officials in the court for corruption. The Report had highlighted high profile cases of abuse of public funds in the country pointing to serious cases of administrative corruption and malpractices within government agencies and departments.
TI-M believes the ACA is now taking a more proactive role in executing its tasks and duties.
This is a right step forward. As we now await the investigations to be completed, we must commend and give full and wholehearted support to the ACA in increasing public confidence and faith in the system.
TI-M believes that though the ACA is technically a government body within the PM’s Department, it can still carry out its functions effectively and efficiently without being perceived as favouring the powers that be. In order to boost its standing and perception as the agency in the forefront on the war against corruption and abuse of power, we hope the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Aziz, would further strengthen the role and mandate of the ACA.
The ACA could be strengthened by making it an independent entity. Amending the 1997 ACA Act would allow any loopholes to be closed. This has been evidenced by the experience of other more successful countries. Allocation of more resources in manpower and money to the ACA would also help it fulfill its vital role to reduce corruption in our country.
Issued by
Tan Sri (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam
President
Transparency International – Malaysia
