Credible Enforcement Only The First Step

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Commendation is due to the MACC for its firmness in pursuing corruption cases without fear or favour. The commission’s commitment to intensifying investigations into high-profile and large-scale cases sends a clear signal that power, influence, or wealth do not place anyone above the law.
The fight against corruption cannot be selective, convenient, or reduced to political posturing. It must be consistent, evidence-based, and firmly grounded in the rule of law. In this context, the leadership demonstrated by MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki deserves acknowledgement.
Azam has repeatedly stressed that investigations must remain independent, transparent, and grounded in evidence. Under his leadership, MACC has pursued cases involving senior political figures, abuse of power, money laundering, and misconduct within enforcement agencies themselves.
He has also driven institutional improvements, including legislative reforms and the establishment of specialised operational units aimed at strengthening enforcement capacity and officer safety.
It is also important to note that his continued leadership at MACC was consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. That consent carries constitutional weight.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiCombined with more than four decades of enforcement experience, Azam remains a central figure in Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts, not because of rhetoric, but because of continuity and resolve.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has likewise been clear that no one will be shielded from investigation, regardless of rank or political standing. Such statements matter in a country where public trust has been eroded by years of selective enforcement and political interference.
State governance
Words alone, however, are not enough. Credibility is built only when those words are matched by consistent action.
Recent developments underline this point. The arrest of a Perikatan Nasional MP in Kedah over alleged corruption linked to a state-owned cattle farming joint venture is significant. Investigations reportedly involve claims of nearly RM400,000 in return for assistance in securing land use rights.
This is not a minor case, nor can it be dismissed as political noise. It also demolishes the convenient myth that corruption belongs to only one side of politics. No group holds a monopoly on integrity.
At the same time, such cases highlight the seriousness of governance in states controlled by the opposition. State administrations wield substantial authority over land, resources, licences, and public-private ventures.
When these powers are abused, the impact is immediate and felt directly by the rakyat. This is why opposition-led states must be subjected to the same level of scrutiny, transparency, and institutional cooperation as the federal government.
Moral posturing carries little meaning without robust oversight. Anti-corruption enforcement cannot operate selectively. It must apply evenly, regardless of political alignment.
Yet enforcement alone is not enough. A deeper and more uncomfortable question remains unresolved. For decades, corruption has been condemned in Parliament across party lines. Speeches are plentiful. Resolutions are passed. But where is the legislative courage?
Monitoring needed
Has the rakyat ever seen a serious push in Parliament to introduce the strongest possible legal deterrents against corruption, targeting both the giver and the receiver of bribes? If not, why? Is it because such measures are unpopular, politically risky, or inconvenient to those in power?
The death penalty exists for certain crimes because they are regarded as threats to society and national security. Corruption also destroys institutions, weakens public services, distorts economic opportunity, and robs future generations. Why, then, is it approached with caution and softer penalties?
If lawmakers truly believe corruption is destroying the nation, they must be willing to debate and consider the toughest measures available. Reform cannot stop at arrests and headlines. It must reach the law itself.
This challenge is not directed at the government alone. It applies equally to every elected representative, whether in government or opposition.
If Parliament is sincere about eradicating corruption, it must move beyond consensus statements and take responsibility for structural change. Silence on difficult reforms inevitably raises questions about political will.
Congratulating enforcement agencies is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Monitoring those in power, particularly at the state level, is equally crucial.
More importantly, the willingness to legislate meaningful deterrents will ultimately determine whether Malaysia is truly committed to ending corruption or merely managing it.
The rakyat are watching. Not only to see who is arrested, but to see who dares to act when it truly matters. - Mkini
MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary. He is now a PKR member.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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