SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as an independent body, requires further strengthening with support from all parties involved.
MCA Youth spokesperson Lee Yee Yuan said the agency should be given greater powers, including sufficient space to provide explanations in parliament, especially for cases involving public interest.
"The people are closely observing and hoping for a corruption-free nation that protects the well-being of the community and the country," he said in a statement on Thursday.
It was reported that the MACC had identified individuals who are believed to be agents bringing in Chinese nationals during the recent commotion incident at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has acknowledged that an agent who remained in the country had demanded a bribe of RM18,000.
Yee Yuan commended the MACC for its diligent efforts in addressing corruption cases, including the investigation of 156 high-profile cases related to public interest since 2020.
He explained that MACC faces significant challenges, as 60 per cent of the cases involve politicians who possess extensive knowledge, resources, networks, and influence.
"The tunnel scandal case, with an estimated value of RM6.3 billion, involving a former chief minister, is one of the most prominent cases.
"The proceedings have faced various suspicions and obstacles, including the untimely demise of a key witness who had not testified," he said.
Yee Yuan added that the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2023 will be released early next year and will determine whether the Unity Government is genuinely committed to fighting corruption or if it is merely rhetorical.
"Previously, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) President, Dr Muhammad Mohan, announced a decline in Malaysia's CPI from 62 to 61 in 2022.
"This decline is attributed to a lack of political will to combat corruption and delays in implementing institutional reforms," he said.