PETALING JAYA - Corruption would not have occurred if the higher-ups did not open the door, says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) assistant commissioner Mohd Nur Lokman Samingan.
Sharing his experience, he said he once encountered a person who was afraid of the police and offered them RM50 as bribe for them to not take action against him for an offence.
He said the alleged offender had also told the police to come back again the next day if the money he offered was not enough.
"It saddens me that that is how we (authorities) are through certain people’s eyes.
"Corruption would not have taken place if the police or the higher authorities did not give way for it,” he said during his speech at the anti-corruption strategic cooperation between MACC and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) programme, in Taman Jaya, here, today.
Nur Lokman also highlighted the fact that Malaysians perceived that roadblocks conducted by the authorities was a way for them (authorities) to "get money”.
He also urged people to stop such negative perception towards the authorities as their purpose was to protect people.
"We are supposed to protect the people, not for them to think of us in such a way. It needs to be stopped immediately,” he added.
The programme was attended by the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) director Datuk Seri Azri Ahmad and MACC Chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Nurahim Abd Rahim.
During the programme, participants also recited and signed the Corruption Free Pledge declaration.
The programme aimed at boosting integrity among the police and raise public awareness on the bane of corruption.
It was also implemented in line with the police's National Anti-Corruption Plan 2020-2024 for a corruption-free country.