MACC Pledges Full, Impartial Action Following King's Call To Combat Corruption

NILAI, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Royal Address by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, calling for a large-scale crackdown on corruption will be implemented to the fullest extent by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), said its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

He said the MACC would intensify its anti-corruption efforts and ensure that all cases, including those involving various government agencies, are investigated thoroughly, impartially and without bias.

“His Majesty has mentioned the agencies that are being investigated, and we will act on these cases more effectively, without favouritism, regardless of an individual’s status or standing.

“This approach has been consistently demonstrated by the MACC over the past few years. If there are still those who believe that we only target ‘ikan bilis’ (the small fry), that is their perception. In my view, such claims are merely attempts to undermine the MACC,” he said.

Azam was speaking to reporters after opening the MACC Academy (MACA) Basic Training Centre (PLA) here today. The event was also attended by MACA Senior Director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar.

Yesterday, His Majesty expressed firm resolve to wage an all-out fight against corruption, stressing that no individual should be shielded from legal action.

The King said efforts to combat corruption must not focus solely on the bribe takers, but that those who offer bribes, agents or any parties acting in collusion must also be investigated and dealt with firmly.

Earlier, in his speech, Azam said the PLA, which cost about RM4 million and can accommodate more than 200 participants, reflects MACC’s continued commitment to producing a new generation of officers who are not only competent but also uphold high moral and ethical standards.

“We will begin a basic training course involving 176 participants starting this February, which will run for nine months. If possible, another intake will be introduced during that period so that this facility can be fully utilised and training can be conducted in a more conducive environment,” he said.

He added that MACA is now implementing a more comprehensive basic training programme through a combination of External Training Modules and Academic Modules, following strategic collaboration with the Enforcement Leadership and Management University (ELMU).

Meanwhile, Mohd Hafaz said the PLA aligns with the aspirations of the Public Service Department’s Human Resources Development Plan (PPSM), which emphasises the development of a structured training ecosystem to build competency from the early stages of service.

He said the establishment of the centre allows the 2026 MACC Basic Officers’ Course to be conducted in a more structured and impactful manner, demonstrating MACC and MACA’s ability to translate public sector human capital development policies into practical implementation that supports organisational sustainability.

“This centre should not be viewed as an isolated or stand-alone facility. Instead, it should be understood as a satellite training centre that complements MACA’s overall role.

“Its existence strengthens the MACC training ecosystem by providing additional capacity for basic training and ensuring the continuity and smooth implementation of new officer development programmes in a planned and sustained manner,” he said.

-- BERNAMA