The crackdown by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on several elected representatives and their aides is insufficient to redeem it tainted image, said Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today.

"The MACC is tasked with responsibilities to stem corruption, to be firm and independent in their decision to apply the law and charge those who flout the law," said Anwar.

While he supported the graftbusters, he however, reiterated that their actions in targeting corruption at the lower level were simply not enough to combat corruption.

"There is evidence to support our contention that corruption is more endemic than ever. It is therefore, incumbent on MACC to apply its authority, investigate and act on high profile cases that have largely been ignored.

NONE"Examples are Perwaja, Eurocopter, the Scorpene submarines, the Sukhoi jets to the PKFZ scandal, which comes to about RM20 billion to RM30 billion but what is happening in these cases?" he asked.

He stressed that he was not suggesting the MACC overlook small-scale cases as "corruption must be tackled at its roots".

The MACC hauled five individuals to court, including Umno parliamentarian Abdul Rahman Bakri, to face corruption charges today.

Below are comments of several parliamentarians on the crackdown:

Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister

We want MACC to take action regardless of the affiliation of the charged persons. They informed me yesterday of their actions. I told them to work independently in accordance with the law.

I have been saying that many times and I have given them the assurance that they can do their job independently even if it means some of our people are also being charged.

(However), nobody is guilty until proven in the court of law so the gathering (of the BN Backbenchers) was done to show solidarity.

SK Devamany, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department

In the spirit of the 'people first' by the prime minister, let us give the benefit of the doubt to the MP, let the law take its course and if he is found guilty then I am sure the punishment will be just.

The MACC is an independent body and playing its role to bring confidence to the rakyat, although confidence is still lacking.

The ordinary man still thinks that there is lack of transparency and there should be more enforcement on the ground. So the delivery is still not strong.

Tony Pua, Petaling Jaya-Utara DAP member of parliament

We want to monitor the cases, as there have been instances where after several years nothing comes of it. The person is acquitted and goes into quiet retirement.

So we want to monitor the case... based on the evidence we have, the charges against Ronnie Liu's aid is trumped up and we would look like to see the charges first.

There is no point in one being a rock solid case the other being a completely flimsy case, just to show that you are even-ended.

Dzulkefly Ahmad, Kuala Selangor PAS member of parliament

We would like to remind the MACC to show restraint and comply with regulations. The whole world is watching them and events may reinforce the already damaged image and integrity of MACC.

We are not taking pleasure in criticizing the government, we are doing it for a better society and time will tell if it is done fairly without selective prosecution. That should be the way.

There is nothing spectacular about it, which should be the order.