Published: Tuesday November 3, 2009 MYT 6:41:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday November 3, 2009 MYT 7:14:57 PM

Anwar to MACC: Not just small fry, go after big fish too

By YUEN MEIKENG

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is backing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) crackdown on corrupt politicians but wants them to pursue more “high profile” cases as well.

Commending the MACC for charging leaders from both sides of the political divide, Anwar said the Commission should use its authority to investigate high profile corruption cases that have been ignored.

“But they should not stop acting against corrupt lower ranking leaders either,” he told reporters in a press conference at the Parliament lobby here on Tuesday, in reference to a slew of politicians being charged with graft on Tuesday.

He said the MACC had been entrusted with a major responsibility to combat corruption and had to be independent.

He said the MACC’s image and credibility had been tarnished by the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, who was found dead at the building housing the Selangor MACC office the day after he was taken in for questioning as a witness in an MACC probe.

The MACC cannot redeem itself based on a large number of low-profile anti-graft cases, but must go after higher-profile cases, Anwar said.

“There is evidence to support our contention that corruption is more rampant than ever,” he claimed.

“It is therefore incumbent on the MACC to apply its authority and act on high profile cases that have been largely swept aside,” he said, citing as examples defence deals and the Port Klang Free Zone issue.

“Corruption must be tackled at its very root or centre of power,” he added.