KUALA LUMPUR - The government has increased the allocation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to RM360 million, compared to RM338 million last year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that this increase aligns with the commission's achievements, which have shown more than a 20 per cent increase in arrests and opened investigation papers for 2023.
"Since leading the country, everyone knows my firm stance on combating corruption, as corruption is a silent cancer that undermines the morale of the people and investor confidence.
"It is futile to set economic directions and various policies if implementation remains plagued by abuse of power, misappropriation of funds, and enriching a select few. The future of the country depends on our success in eradicating corruption.
"The government grants complete freedom to the MACC to investigate and take stern action to bring corruption offenders to justice," he said while tabling the Malaysia Madani 2025 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday.
He emphasised that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) was developed to eliminate all forms of corruption through a comprehensive and robust approach.
Anwar added that other upcoming initiatives include the Freedom of Information Bill and the Government Procurement Bill, aimed at enhancing governance and the efficiency of public services.
He also said the ‘Follow the Public Money Audit,’ noting that the Audit Act has been amended to grant the Auditor-General the authority to review and audit the management of public funds, including companies that receive government guarantees.
"An allocation of 200 million ringgit has been provided to the National Audit Department, an increase from 173 million ringgit," he added.
Anwar highlighted this aligned with the department's expanded role to audit nearly 2,000 companies and entities that receive government funding and guarantees.