IN a bid to fortify international cooperation in combating financial crimes, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) conducted an official visit to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice in Washington and New York on 9 and 11 December.
The delegation was led by Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, Senior Director of MACC’s Special Operations Division, and accompanied by Datuk Seri Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil, Director General of the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC), and Norinna Bahadun, Deputy Public Prosecutor of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
During the visit, discussions were held with Spencer Horn Chris Padurano, Head of Section at the FBI Washington office, and Paul Roberts, Head of Division in New York.
The Washington session was welcomed by Varinder Singh, FBI Attaché to Malaysia.
According to MACC, the discussions aimed to enhance global collaboration, strengthen investigative cooperation, facilitate mutual legal assistance (MLA), and advance the recovery of 1MDB-related assets still located overseas.
“The FBI and US Department of Justice reaffirmed their full commitment to cross-border cooperation, with coordination between MACC, AGC, and NFCC enhanced to ensure all overseas assets can be traced, seized, and repatriated in accordance with the law,” MACC stated.
Meanwhile, in Seremban, the MACC urged the private sector, government-linked companies (GLCs), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to act as collaborative partners in strengthening Malaysia’s anti-corruption ecosystem.
Awgkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awang Ismail, Director of SPRM Negeri Sembilan, emphasised that combating corruption is not solely the commission’s responsibility but requires broad-based societal support.
“Private companies and GLCs can contribute by organising anti-corruption initiatives through tax incentive schemes with communities, as a means to expand the nation’s integrity ecosystem,” he said at the International Anti-Corruption Day (HARA) 2025 event organised jointly by MACC Negeri Sembilan, Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, and Rasuah Busters.
The event, attended by nearly 200 participants including NGOs, university students, school pupils, and members of the public, aimed to encourage diverse community engagement in supporting Malaysia’s anti-corruption agenda.
Key highlights included the “Pocket Talk” on anti-corruption delivered by Mohd Adib Othman, Head of SPRM Negeri Sembilan’s Community Education Unit, who discussed the risks of corruption, primary offences, and punishments under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
Badlishah Sham Baharin, President of Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, pledged the organisation’s support in fostering a society of high integrity in partnership with SPRM.
The programme also featured a poetry recital titled “Rasuah Yang Membarah” ("Corruption That Spreads") by national declaimer Umar Mokhtar Abdullah, and a rhythmic speech performance by students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Felcra Bukit Kepong, Muar, winners of the 2025 National Rhythmic Speech Competition, captivating attendees with a compelling anti-corruption message.
The event was further enlivened with an integrity exhibition featuring IKRAM, IkramTeens, the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), Rasuah Busters, and other strategic partners, showcasing interactive materials, awareness modules, and educational campaigns to foster anti-corruption consciousness among the general public.
This dual approach, combining international engagement with local community collaboration, underscores MACC’s commitment to creating a robust, multi-layered anti-corruption framework both within Malaysia and across borders. - December 14, 2025
