MACC... Will it bites?

MACC

One of the much awaited reform promised by our out-going PM has been officially launched yesterday. The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) has been given more power to fight corruption in this country.

Whether or not the MACC can perform without fear or favour remains to be seen but it has certainly begin on a wrong foot. It's Commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan has been criticised for his comment on the probe on the Selangor Mentri Besar on the purchase of cows and maintenance of his private car. As such some of the bloggers mocked the agency as Malaysian Agency for Cows and Cars.

There are weaknesses in the former ACA. According to Pak Lah, the government is aware of the perception that the ACA was not independent, a “toothless tiger”, selective in prosecution, slow in taking action and unprofessional in investigating. The public has no faith in the ACA because perception is a very powerful tool. Once it's seen as biased, nothing it does will have the approval of the public. Even big fish caught will always be seen as a 'sandiwara'.

Anyway, it must be seen a right move to take our fight on corruption to another level. Nothing is perfect. It's just a beginning and I think it'll take quite a few years and numerous modification before we can even be seen or talked in the same breath as the HK's ICAC. The fight must go on no matter what. Just keep our fingers crossed that this is not just another re-branding exercise.

Let the fight on corruption be real!