Surrender ... and work out a lighter sentence: MACC (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: The new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief today called on civil servants and those involved with government agencies who are involved in corrupt practices to surrender before they are caught.
In making the call, MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad said those who voluntarily surrender now can hope to be given a lighter sentence.
"Actually, we already have information on various civil servants or those involved with government agencies, who are living beyond their means. It is just a matter of time before we take action," he warned.
"Come now ... I have opened this opportunity. Come any time before action is taken ... (because) if action has been taken, there will be no need to see us. For those who are feeling the heat, they can come," he said.
"We will study and discuss with the Attorney-General's Chambers on what actions can be taken (to provide for a lighter sentence) as the question of prosecution is under their purview," he said.
Dzulkifli, who took over from Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed on Aug 1, said his primary focus upon taking the helm of the commission is to enhance integrity in the public and private sectors.
He said after two weeks on the job, he understands its functions and it is time to see the results of implementation.
"I'm a man of few words. I do not talk a lot. I want to advise and warn those involved in corruption to stop immediately.
"This is not an empty warning. For those who have been receiving incomes other than what is legitimate, it is bribery, please stop," he said.
Dzulkifli warned that MACC will more aggressively use its power of confiscation and forfeiture of properties acquired through corrupt practices and abuse of power, to combat graft in the country.
"In my view, the main factor driving the growing corruption is greed among those vested with power and position, regardless of how high or low the posts they hold," he said in an interview with Bernama.
"The motivation for them to be involved in corruption is property and money, so MACC will not just make them face justice in court but ensure that whatever acquired from income of corrupt practices and abuse of power will be frozen, seized, and forfeited to the government," he said.
"Even while the case is under investigation, properties owned by the individual under investigation can be frozen based on the various laws," he said, adding that they include the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Based on the provisions of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, the property of a suspect can be frozen up to 90 days and if there are reasonable grounds, it can be extended by a further nine months.
"This is because we do not want them to dispose (of properties), as it would be difficult for us to detect them (later)," he said.
Dzulkifli said the move to freeze properties is not limited to properties owned by the one suspected of corruption, but also to properties transferred to the person's family members, if it is believed it was acquired with income from corruption and abuse of power.
At the same time, he warned, those who allow their names to be used by the graft suspects to hide assets acquired through corruption and abuse of power practices will also not be spared action.
"We hope the move to forfeit properties will be a deterrent to anyone, especially civil servants, from engaging in corruption and abuse of power because of the high risk involved," he said.
On the level of corruption in the country, Dzulkifli described Malaysia as being not as bad as other countries, but he was worried corruption could become accepted as a norm or requirement among the people.
Dzulkifli said as such, MACC plans to crack down against the bribe givers, especially the syndicated givers.
"Syndicated givers usually offer bribes so that no enforcement action is taken. So in this situation, we shall take action not only against the recipient but also the giver, through other acts including the Customs Act or the Inland Revenue Board Act (LHDN)," he said.
He also pledged that MACC will be more proactive and not wait for a report to be lodged against corrupt offenders before enforcing its preventive measures. — Bernama