SERI KEMBANGAN – The arrest of several Human Resources Ministry officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has highlighted the unity government’s resolve to rid its administration of corruption.
According to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the MACC probes involving a migrant worker recruitment agency are evidence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s steadfast insistence on a corruption-free government.
“(Anwar) has detailed his anti-graft stance multiple times in his monthly address to officers in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“(The arrests) are proof of (Anwar’s) commitment to cleansing the government of the scourge of corruption.
“We will allow MACC to carry out their investigations. If those arrested are brought to court, then we will adhere to the court process,” he said when met by reporters at an event in Seri Kembangan here today.
Fahmi added that Anwar will not be offering “protection” to government members who are found to have committed offences.
Instead, he said, wrongdoers will have to fend for themselves and face the consequences of their alleged actions.
“(Anwar) has said that if any of his ministers or staff fall under MACC’s watchful eye, he will protect no one.
“Regardless of who is involved, if MACC discovers proof of any wrongdoing, then they will be brought to book,” Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said.
He also said that Anwars has ordered all ministers to issue a stern anti-graft reminder to their officers and staffers.
“There are high expectations (on Anwar’s government) to purge the nation of corruption,” he said, noting that the public should not jump to conclusions prior to official information from MACC on its probes.
Yesterday, MACC arrested a senior aide to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, while a raid was conducted at the ministry.
Apart from detaining the aide, the anti-graft body also called in a senior ministry official and contractor to aid investigations regarding graft accusations.
It is learnt that the arrests pertain to allegations that those involved had set up a migrant worker recruitment agency to obtain approval from the ministry despite conflicts of interest.
Sivakumar had subsequently urged the media to not make assumptions on the matter that could jeopardise any party. – The Vibes, April 14, 2023
