Ultimatum from MACC: stop giving bribes – even for traffic-related offences – or face charges.
- Say no to corruption, MACC will have your back
- MACC’s anti-graft campaigns go on the ground to bring drastic changes among Malaysians
- 15 people expected to be charged tomorrow
- TNB senior official and businesswoman nabbed for graft
- Two contractors, including a Datuk, arrested for alleged bribery cases
In a powerful address, MACC chief commission Dzulkifly Ahmad urged the public to stand up to corruption and report any acts of bribery or abuse of power. He said people should say no to corruption, as MACC is with the people. He added that MACC belongs to the public and they will support anyone who is a victim of corruption and take action to stop it.
Just launched on Monday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Anti-Corruption Revolution Movement (Gerah) and 3J campaigns to ensure Malaysians make corruption Public Enemy #1 is already striking at lightning speed.
In recent months, MACC has been nabbing those who accept bribes, mostly officials in high positions in government agencies and GLCs, including individuals with honorific titles.
Now, they are also going after the bribe givers, with more than 15 people expected to be charged in courts nationwide tomorrow. The Star reported that they include the self-employed, businessmen, contractors and private sector workers aged 20 to 50 from Selangor, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak. Charges include offering bribes to enforcement officers such as police and JPJ officers to avoid having action taken against them for mostly traffic-related offences.
According to MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki, “givers were as guilty as takers and it was high time to show that no one would be spared”.
“This is part of our Gerah and 3J campaigns to remind the people not to give, collude or settle cases,” he said.
“We need to educate the public that it is also a no-no to offer bribes to be let off for committing an offence, even minor ones like traffic,” he told The Star.
“We have issued enough reminders. Stop it now or prepare to face the music,” he added.
Azam also confirmed the arrest of a senior officer of Tenaga Nasional Bhd and a businesswoman. The officer is said to have accepted a BMW from the businesswoman, who was awarded a job to supply materials for renovation works to be carried out at several Tenaga offices in Kuala Lumpur in 2014.
In addition, two immigration contractors and a contractor have been arrested for their alleged involvement in bribery cases amounting to RM27mil in connection with skilled foreign worker applications.
Held on the first Monday of every month, the Gerah campaign will see MACC officers going on the ground to bring about drastic changes among Malaysians.