'Just wait', MACC chief tells corrupt politicians

PETALING JAYA: "To all the corrupt politicians, I just have one thing to say to you ... just wait (tunggulah)".
That was the warning sent out by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad to politicians in the country, regardless of their ranks, involved in bribery and misappropriation.
He said the time has come for the anti-graft body to take drastic and stern action to stop widespread corruption.
"I have said, on my 100th day as MACC chief, that I will not stop from taking action against politicians. There is no issue about them being protected.
"Be it those lower ranking officers or the more powerful ones, this issue does not rise. InshaAllah, I will do as I had promised," he said in a television interview with a local news channel today.
Dzulkifli said those involved in corruption and abuse of power should be regarded as the number one enemy of the state, and that the fight against corruption should be a national agenda.
"Corruption happens in many different aspects, whether misappropriating national funds, abusing the law, or others. This has to be stopped, and they (those involved) should be made our number one enemy," he said.
Dzulkifli, in stressing the importance of media in combating corruption, said they (media) must be given the freedom to conduct investigative reporting, and assist MACC in its battle.
The veteran civil servant also urged the public not to be afraid of coming forward and providing information that could help MACC combat corruption, as the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 is there to protect them.
"Although I know the public are a bit concerned of the Official Secrets Act and what not, there are other means, like the Whistleblower Act, that can protect you. All you have to do is come to us with information," he said.
Dzulkifli also noted that the three-year budget freeze on MACC is hindering its work scope, especially in terms of purchasing new technologies to assist its investigations.
"The budget for new equipment has been frozen for three years now. We are a bit lacking behind in terms of this. It needs to be reviewed and addressed, to allow us the power to fulfill our responsibility," he said.
Today's live television appearance marked Dzulkifl's first live interview since his appointment in July last year.