MACC: Witness, informers must come forward to assist in fight against bribery

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 -- The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) urged witnesses or informers to come forward and assist the commission during investigations involving bribery cases.

 

(Photo) MACC Commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed

MACC Commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed said the witness and informers were important when carrying out investigations or when the case goes to court.

"Cases will be lost if witnesses fail to turn up or decide to make a u-turn at the last minute. However, when such a situation arise, the media will point fingers at the commission without studying the facts for losing such cases.

"We have the law. So if a witness is afraid, they can provide the information and they will be protected. Let us know what their problems are," he told reporters after distributing pamphlets and car stickers to commemorate the MACC's first year anniversary, at the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza here today.

Abu Kassim added that the perception on bribery must also change and the people must change their mindset to prevent bribery from rearing its ugly face at will.

"I wish to appeal to the public to refrain from offering bribes. To combat bribery we must stop giving bribes," he said.

Meanwhile, Abu Kassim said MACC would also study information and statement from a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) to determine whether the recent 'party hopping' trend may have been politically instigated by bribery.

Online news portal Malaysikini today joined the fight against bribery, urging the public with information to assist the authorities if they had any information of bribery involved in the 'party hopping'.

BERNAMA