Experts Public Deserves Answers On High Profile Macc Probes

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Headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). - NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAHKUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must provide updates on seemingly stalled high-profile cases, particularly those involving arrests and seizures, say experts.
Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy, former MACC Panel on Prevention of Corruption chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and crime analyst Kamal Affandi said this was important to maintain trust in public institutions.
Sundramoorthy said the public was anxious to know the outcomes of the "many" high-profile MACC cases.
"Was action taken? Was it classified as 'no further action' (NFA)? Or were those arrested turned into prosecution witnesses?"
He was commenting on public grouses and speculation on social media regarding the lack of updates on such cases.
"When the authorities do not provide updates on high-profile cases — and this is not limited to MACC, but also the police and other law enforcement agencies — people will speculate.
"This is unhealthy because it is unfair to the people who were arrested, MACC itself, and the public."
He said that regardless of a case's outcome, it was better for facts to be clarified than for speculation to thrive, especially in the age of social media.
"We often see quick reports of MACC arrests and seizures, but when there are no updates, that's when negative perceptions and mistrust build up."
Sundramoorthy said MACC need not divulge operational details. Status updates on cases would suffice.
"Objectivity is important, so status updates are enough. We don't want a people's safety to be affected, or their case to be prejudiced," he said, adding that case details would be revealed in court.
Meanwhile, Navaratnam said updates were fundamental to maintaining public trust in MACC.
"So, the authorities must be more open with updates."
"If they want cooperation from the public, they should give updates. It's a two-way process."
He said the public followed such cases closely and, if they believed their cooperation could help, they would be more open to providing information.
This, he said, was why MACC updates were important.
Kamal echoed Sundramoorthy and Navaratnam's views, noting that while MACC's efforts were commendable and the public respected the investigation process, frustration was mounting over the lack of transparency in cases initially declared as major breakthroughs.
"Many cases were announced as high-profile investigations, yet there has been little to no update on their progress.
"Was there inaction? Was the evidence insufficient? Or was there an issue with the integrity of the investigation?
"These are questions MACC must be prepared to answer."
Kamal said MACC should regularly publish statistics on the number of cases reported, investigated, and prosecuted.
"If an individual is found guilty, make it known to the public. This would prevent speculation and show the agency's commitment to transparency and accountability."
He added that consistent communication would bolster public confidence in the agency's integrity and effectiveness.


- NST

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