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14 theSun | WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24 2008

by Tim Leonard
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

DESPITE some headline-


grabbing action this year in the
battle against graft, perception
of corruption in Malaysia has
yet to improve. So it was on
a note of hope that the year
ended, with both the Dewan
Rakyat and Dewan Negara
endorsing the Malaysian Anti-
Corruption Commission Bill.
This powerful anti-graft
body is one of Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi’s last acts of office
before he hands over power
to his deputy Datuk Seri
Najib Abdul Razak in March.
Although Abdullah “gave birth”
to it, it is Najib who will have to
nurture the “baby” by feeding
it strong political will and
commitment.
But even in the run-up to
this historic law-making event,
the Anti-Corruption Agency
(ACA) had made quite a few
headlines this year. At one
stage, it seemed more open and
forthcoming with information
on its enforcement activities.
But except for a few big cases,
the others – the “ikan bilis”
– were not given much play in
the media.
The agency arrested no
fewer than 580 individuals
for alleged corrupt practices
this year, and charged
several politicians, heads of
government departments
and businessmen. The court
process, however, is slow

BERNAMAPIX
and laborious and results of
prosecution are not seen until
years later, which, in a way,
affects public perception.
Agency statistics showed
Osman

Battle against graft


that bribes exceeding RM45 Others detained include
(left) and
million changed hands during agents or runners who were in
Jamaluddin
the first 10 months of the year, cahoots with Puspakom’s traffic
(right) going
with properties worth RM8.8 wardens and vehicle examiners
through
million confiscated and fines to carry out inspections on
the writ of
worth RM1.3 million collected. “problematic” vehicles without
summons
The year was also a following standard operating
before
transitional period for the Transparency International up the approval of visas for The “biggie” was the arrest procedures and approving tests
filing a
agency, especially coming (TI). The country’s ranking 4,337 Bangladeshi workers. He of Malaysia Tourism Promotion on vehicles without actually
defamation
from 2007 when it was subject declined to 47 out of 180 pleaded not guilty. He allegedly Board director-general Datuk sending them for inspection.
suit against
to a lot of harsh criticisms countries in 2008, compared to received the money from Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, There were several reports
the ACA,
from the public, politicians 36 out of 91 countries in 2001 Low Chang Hian at his house who was subsequently charged of the ACA probing certain
at the
and the media following a and 43 out of 179 countries in in Jalan Lembah Ledang, in the sessions court at Jalan high-profile cases, but these
Ipoh High
police investigation on its 2007. off Jalan Duta, on July 10. If Duta for allegedly accepting have not yielded any action.
Court on
then director-general, Datuk Malaysia’s CPI score convicted, he faces up to 20 dental treatment worth more The one to note was the
Aug 25, for
Zulkipli Mat Noor, for alleged remained at 5.1, the same as in years in jail and a fine of up to than RM13,860 which was interview of Inspector General
detaining
corruption, abuse of power 2007. five times the bribe involved or paid by Syarikat Perunding of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan
them on
and sexual crimes. The ACA’s This year was notable for RM10,000, whichever is higher. Pakar Media Sdn Bhd director and Attorney-General Tan Sri
suspicion
image was tarnished and the arrest of two director- Wahid’s deputy Yusof Abu Zulhisyam Ayob when he was Gani Patail for their statements
of alleged
many lost confidence in the generals, shortly after the new Bakar also faced the rap later deputy director-general. The over an abuse of power
graft and
operations of the agency. ACA boss took office. for allegedly accepting bribes company belongs to Mirza’s report lodged against them by
sexual
When Datuk Seri Ahmad On July 10, after detailed for the extension of China visit brother. Opposition leader Datuk Seri
bribery.
Said Hamdan took over the surveillance work, ACA officers passes in separate court dates. Anwar Ibrahim. No action has
top post in mid-2007, he swooped in and arrested He was charged and claimed resulted so far.
had his hands full restoring Immigration Department trial in the Klang sessions This year was notable for the arrest The agency also started
ACA’s image. And then came director-general Datuk Wahid court to four counts of graft of two director-generals, shortly investigations into the
the government proposal to Md Don and six others, for allegedly accepting bribes after the new ACA boss took office. Eurocopter helicopter deal after
make the ACA independent including two businessmen, amounting to RM35,600 earlier receiving several reports from
as a commission that reports for alleged graft. The seven, this year. He was also charged Parti Keadilan Rakyat leaders.
directly to Parliament, aged between 35 and 64, were in the Petaling Jaya session’s This was followed by Again, nothing came out of
something that the people had arrested at various locations in court with accepting a bribe the arrest of two Perak exco that.
been asking for. the Klang Valley. of RM5,500 to approve the members – Jamaluddin Mohd The ACA has acted on many
Against this scenario, On Aug 19, Wahid, 56, extension of China visit passes. Radzi and Mohd Osman small cases. Perhaps this case
Malaysia still lagged in the was charged in court with He also pleaded not guilty. Mohd Jailu – together with is noteworthy: A pisang goreng
Corruption Perception Index receiving a RM60,000 bribe In August, newspapers had a four others on suspicion seller whose “hobby” was to
(CPI) survey conducted by from a businessman to speed good run of anti-graft stories. of alleged graft and sexual bribe enforcement officers was
bribery involving more than arrested. The man’s monthly
RM100,000 in connection with income is said to be RM20,000.
a RM180 million Seri Iskandar He bribed the officers every
housing project. Lenggeng time they checked the permits
state assemblyman Mustafa of his foreign workers, as he
Salim, 50, was also nabbed for was operating more than 10
receiving a RM2,000 bribe from stalls around Kuala Lumpur
a contractor at a restaurant in with each stall earning about
Mantin, RM500 a day.
Negeri Sembilan, over the While anti-graft action does
issue of sand mining. not discriminate against big or
The busy ACA also netted 55 small fish, it is the arrest and
people, more than half of whom prosecution of powerful but
were Puspakom employees, corrupt individuals that will
for alleged corruption in a move public perception. The
nationwide blitz. They allegedly pressure is now on the MACC
earned up to RM1,000 each – and the ruling government
a day or RM55,000 a month – to prove their worth.
“in takings” from owners of
Wahid Yusof vehicles sent to Puspakom’s Friday: Civil and political
Mirza
vehicle inspection centres. rights in Malaysia

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