KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would have to be more transparent with its investigations into the alleged cases of corruption in Covid-19 related procurement of medical equipment and services in the health services sector, said DAP Secretary General Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
On Tuesday, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed that there had been elements of corruption in the procurement of protective medical gear, services when the country was dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Investigations into the cases have begun, he was reported saying. Apart from alleged bribery cases, there had been also an abuse of power in diverting relief aid and stimulus packages.
In a statement here today, Loke said all Malaysians should by right be highly disappointed and angry with the revelations of corruption involving the expenditure of the health sector in combating the Covid-19.
“What has happened to the value of integrity in our society that some people have stooped to a point of taking advantage of a calamity that has taken so many human lives and threatened the lives of all Malaysians?
“Malaysians can no longer afford to ignore the worsening problem of corruption in the country and must stand firm in seeking strong action against the corrupted,” he said.
The MACC chief must be more transparent and provide the people with the details of these cases such as which ministry and government departments were involved in the cases, and whether the involvement was at the minister’s or deputy minister’s level, the value of money misappropriated and so on.
People have the right to know more about the cases, without jeopardising investigations, Loke said.
He also urged the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to call on the MACC Chief to provide a statement and information on the matter to the PAC, which is responsible to ensure the proper accounting of all expenditure undertaken by the government.
–WE