TI-M applauds the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s swift and prompt action in arresting former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Tun Razak who was believed to be involved in the SRC international which was a subsidiary of 1MDB. The arrest of Najib has signified the completion of investigation by MACC and the prosecution will be led by the newly appointed Attorney-General today. The former Prime Minister has been charged with three charges on criminal breach of trust (CBT) under Section 409 of the Penal Code and also one charge of abuse of power.
Three years ago at the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference in Putrajaya, TI-Malaysia together with our global TI movement had asked two questions to Najib: Who paid the money and why? And Where did it go? Today, we see MACC has completed a fully independent investigation without political interference. The truth will be uncovered and the corrupt will soon to face the consequences of their crime.
The aggressive crackdown by the MACC on grand corruption who involved the former top country leader have served as lesson to other leaders not to abuse the high-level power given by the Rakyat that benefits a few at the expense of others. The crimes that have been committed by the alleged has caused serious and widespread harm to the society and the people has spoken up their voice through the last General-Election. We trust that MACC’s staying steadfast to eradicate high profile corruption cases would gain and boost credibility as well as increase public confidence over it’s agency especially when it reports to the Parliament in the near future. No one is above the rule of law and it is imperative that the people with power should exercise these powers given by the people with the utmost integrity and act without fear and favour.
In addition, TI-Malaysia affirms its independence of Josie Fernandez, former secretary-general whom has been terminated for her membership since September 2013), and her opinions of against the prosecution of Najib. Her opinion do not reflect the stance of TI-M and are conveyed on her own record.
For far too long, the high level corrupt officials have been able to stash their ill- gotten gains in their house or foreign banks and invest them in luxurious mansions, expensive cars or lavish lifestyle for their children with total impunity and in blatant disregard for the citizens they are supposed to serve. This shall be stopped and there shall be no impunity.
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Dato’ Akhbar Satar
President,
Transparency International Malaysia
