Efforts to combat corruption should not focus solely on enforcement after offences have already occurred, but must also place greater emphasis on prevention and public education, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman.
He said strengthening both areas was essential to ensure the country’s anti-corruption agenda could be carried out comprehensively, with prevention playing an important role in reducing the risk of offences before they happen.
Abd Halim also reminded MACC Sarawak personnel to uphold the principles of being firm in enforcement, fair in their judgement and committed to integrity in every situation.
He said these principles were crucial to ensuring that the responsibilities entrusted to MACC officers were carried out without being influenced by personal interests, pressure, external influence or the interests of any particular party.
Abd Halim made the remarks during the Chief Commissioner’s address with senior MACC Sarawak officers at the MACC Sarawak office complex on Thursday.
He also expressed his appreciation for the commitment, dedication, determination and resilience shown by MACC Sarawak personnel in advancing the agency’s enforcement, prevention and anti-corruption education efforts.
Meanwhile, MACC Sarawak director Datuk Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh briefed Abd Halim on matters involving staffing and human resource management, operating expenditure performance, community education initiatives and the latest developments in the state’s operations.
The briefing also covered plans for a new MACC Sarawak office complex, which is expected to include a seized-goods warehouse as well as modern and conducive facilities to support the agency’s operational requirements.
The programme concluded with a visit to the MACC Sarawak evidence exhibition area and detention cells, followed by a visit to the proposed site for the new MACC Sarawak office complex along Jalan Diplomatik in Petra Jaya.
Also present were MACC Strategic Communications Division director Hisyam Mohd Yusoff and MACC Sarawak deputy director for Prevention, Katherine Nais.
