WE must congratulate the newly-formed Malaysian Anti-Corporation Commission (MACC), which replaced the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), for its commitment to fighting all forms of corruption. The interview with its chief executive officer (”Top graftbuster pledges crackdown” — NST, Jan 25) tells us what is going on although, admittedly, there was nothing entirely new.

Nonetheless, it did provide some comfort that the MACC really means business and will carry out its duties in a professional manner, without fear or favour. Even so, we should not pin too high a hope or expectation on it.

As expected, cases involving high-profile individuals seem to be as elusive as ever to pin down. On the other hand, individuals categorised as “ikan bilis”, indulging in RM200 to RM300 bribes, have been apprehended. This amount, by any standard, is considered “peanuts”, and it’s worse with the current rate of inflation.

Of course, we concur with the stand of the MACC head that corruption is corruption, irrespective of who the person is or the amount of money involved. But surely, there must be cases involving thousands or even millions of ringgit that had been reported to ACA (now the MACC)?

It must be a daunting task for the MACC to arrange its priority vis-a-vis the cases coming before it. Right now, the focus is on politicians in Umno because of so much talk on money politics taking place, rightly or wrongly.

But the fact is that only now is money politics really being considered as corruption. Hence, those who previously indulged in money politics, like one former menteri besar, was not considered corrupt. He managed to get away from the law and was only disciplined by the party.

No doubt the political arena is an important and critical area to be rid of corruption because of its ramifications and implications to society.

But no less significant is the “Lingam tape” debacle. This case has been with us for quite some time and yet, to date, no arrest had been made under the various acts cited by the legal fraternity. It does appear as if the issue is fast going into oblivion.

The pertinent question to ask is whether this is due to inadequate grounds to formulate charges or the lack of political will to expedite it on the grounds of political expediency. Or is there no case? Whatever the case, it should not be allowed to drag on.

The true test for the MACC is its willingness and ability to investigate and prosecute anyone, regardless of race or position.

In fact, it is not far-fetched to say that if any individual or individuals involved in the Lingam tape episode can be charged, as alleged by many including the legal profession, it would be not only a landmark achievement for the new MACC, but also to its reputation as a national institution that discriminates no one in the discharge of its duties and in the pursuit of its goal to eradicate corruption in this country.

The public will be watching the outcome most keenly, as well as the fate of other well- known cases, to see what will eventually happen to each of them.

NORAMTAZ ABDULLAH, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – January 30, 2009