The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has made various changes, including the adoption of more transparent and professional approaches in its investigations, to restore the people's faith in the commission, according to its evaluation panel.

NONE Nevertheless, some critics remain sceptical of the commission's transparency. Although accused of bias, favouritism and being slow to respond in solving certain cases, many people still appreciate MACC's relentless efforts to combat corruption.

MACC Operations Evaluation Panel chairman Hadenan Jalil ( left ), a former auditor-general, said MACC's efforts had undoubtedly, showed positive results despite many obstacles and shortages faced in its line of duty.

Nevertheless, he said, the commission should improve its image to be, not just admirable, but also a respectable institution.

NONE "When we talk about corruption, public perception will be the issue of domain because it's hard to set it aside. However, MACC must fend off the allegations and make its presence felt.

"We can see now that MACC is getting more transparent and open, and is working hard to get close to the people, restore their faith in the commission and change the wrong perception," he said.

Hadenan, however, refuted allegations made by certain quarters that MACC was too slow in  its investigations, saying that most bribery cases needed sometime to be thoroughly investigated to enable the offenders to be brought to justice.

He said MACC was always committed in discharging its duties.

NONE Between Jan 1 and June 6, this year, the commission had opened 673 investigation papers as compared to 923 papers throughout last year.

A total of 194 individuals alleged to have offered bribes to civil servants had also been arrested, while 140 civil servants were nabbed in connection with bribery and abuse of power.

Hadenan urged the public to understand that sometimes, MACC had to close certain cases due to lack of witnesses and evidence.

Sometimes, witnesses "disappeared" when they were needed to appear in court, he noted.

For crime analyst, Kamal Affandi Hashim, MACC had performed its duties well, despite facing negative public perception.

"In my opinion, nothing should be changed or improved. MACC is just perfect. The feel of dissatisfaction only arises among those who committed the wrongdoings.

"Just ask anybody, they'll criticise the MACC by saying that it is biased or anything. They'll say that, not only to MACC, but also the police, immigration and all other law enforcers," said Kamal Affandi, who is also Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation executive council member.

Meanwhile, Ulama Association of Malaysia president Sheikh Abdul Halim Abd Kadir said MACC efforts to combat corruption and change public perception would be a never-ending story - unless it dawned on the people that bribery was a crime.

Basically, he said, MACC had done a good job in creating public awareness on corruption and prevent the public from committing bribery.

"For me, despite various efforts to prevent corruption, if someone does not nurture his religious belief, bribery will persist," he said.

Hence, Sheikh Abdul Halim called on MACC to inculcate religious elements in its organisation by appointing religious scholars as its members who could create public awareness and provide religious explanation on bribery.

"Organise classes, courses or seminars in offices. Urge these 'ustaz' (religious teachers) to come together with MACC members to give motivational talks, explain about the sins in taking bribes and the heavy penalties that await bribery offenders," he said.

- Bernama