Govt agencies ignoring MACC reports on misconduct, says Azam

Some government agencies have been ignoring reports of misconduct involving their staff despite recommendations from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to take action, says top graft buster Azam Baki.

(FMT) – The MACC chief said the anti-graft agency was still waiting for government agencies to follow up on over 500 reports of misconduct, some of which he claimed were submitted 12 years ago, New Straits Times reported.

“If we (MACC) discover elements of misconduct, it is our duty to report it to the heads of departments (of government agencies).

“The heads of departments will then report back to us, confirming that they received the report,” Azam was quoted as saying.

He said upon confirmation of the reports by government agencies, a committee comprising selected heads of departments would be formed to investigate the cases.

While criminal cases will be taken to court, cases of misconduct will be reviewed by the committee, with the heads of departments holding the right to decide on the course of action against their staff after completing the investigation.

Azam said although a circular had been issued to all heads of departments regarding this, many chose to ignore it.

“Heads of departments should not forget about the circular. Many of them just ignored it and we have sent letters to remind them.

“They have to take action because it is a circular by the chief secretary (to the government). It is not my circular,” he said, according to NST.