RM277bil lost to corruption in 5 years, says MACC chief

Azam Baki says the money could have been used to repair schools and hospitals.

(FMT) – Malaysia lost around RM277 billion to corruption over the past five years, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki said today.

Azam, who was speaking at the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategies (NACS) 2024-2028 here, said the RM277 billion estimate was based on the country’s cumulative gross domestic product from 2018 to 2023.

“This huge amount could have been used to help the people in various ways, especially by implementing social projects such as repairing schools and hospitals,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost it due to corruption.”

The NACS 2024-2028, launched by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today, outlines five core strategies to prevent corrupt practices in the country. It is a continuation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023.

The NACS 2024-2028 outlines key anti-corruption strategies focused on enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability across sectors such as politics, public administration, government procurement, law enforcement, legislative and judicial institutions, and the private sector.

Azam said the NACS 2024-2028 was in line with Article 5 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which requires all member countries to produce a document serving as the primary reference for national-level anti-corruption initiatives.

When asked about his contract which is set to end on May 12, Azam said he did not want to speculate on the matter.

“My birthday is on May 12,” he told reporters after the launch.

“Anyone who wants to give me a present can do so.”

Azam was appointed as MACC chief commissioner on March 9, 2020, following Latheefa Koya’s resignation after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

His contract was to have ended on May 12 last year but was extended for a year.