I’M really glad — and most Malaysians would feel the same way — that after the March 8 general election, the Anti-Corruption Agency has been given more clout by the government to fight corruption in the country.

The ACA can now charge those found to be involved in corrupt practices in the courts of law without having to refer to the Attorney-General as was the practice in the past, provided there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect.

Undoubtedly, such firm action by the ACA will give greater confidence to current and prospective foreign investors in the country. It cannot be denied that foreign investment play a crucial role in providing employment for our citizens.

The ACA must also cast its net wider to catch the big fish rather than the small fry as has been the case hitherto.

The ACA must act firmly and decisively without fear or favour regardless of the position or social status of the person or persons investigated on suspicion of corrupt practices.

This will go a long way to bolstering the public perception of the ACA as a truly independent body established under the law solely to eradicate corruption in the country.

S. RAGUNATHAN, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – August 6, 2008