SHAH ALAM, Jan 14 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will announce its new enforcement strategy tomorrow, aimed at strengthening asset recovery and taking firmer action against those who misappropriate public funds.
The strategy, which emphasises more systematic investigative methods, is expected to hold more offenders accountable, especially those who enjoy lavish lifestyles with monies meant for the people.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said the agency must move forward more effectively to face current challenges and ensure its enforcement is aligned with evolving realities, reported Berita Harian.
He added that the new approach builds on MACC’s achievements of last year, when the commission recovered RM8.4 billion through punitive action, making it one of the agency’s most successful years since its establishment.
While MACC remains focused on detecting, investigating and prosecuting corruption cases in court, Azam said the commission also has strong expertise in financial crime investigation, including financial forensics and money laundering-related matters.
“In terms of asset recovery, it is no longer just physical (forfeiture by) going to suspects’ houses to retrieve misappropriated cash, but the tracing of funds disappeared into various accounts parked under proxies. This is not easy for MACC to do,” he said.
Azam added that while he cannot guarantee asset recoveries would match last year’s figure, MACC is intensifying its focus on individual and high-profile cases that have resulted in significant financial leakages.
“For this year, one of the key strategies to be announced tomorrow is the enhancement of asset recovery through more systematic and technology-driven methods. MACC must improve upon strategies it implemented last year.”
He said MACC employee management must be optimised with more effective, modern methods to ensure financial criminals face severe penalties.
“We could request more officers, but it must be based on how we work. Adding a few thousand (personnel) won’t help if the work methods aren’t effective,” Azam said.
