Contractors must not be let off, says NGO

Kota Kinabalu: The commendable action of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in arresting and probing two senior government officers suspected involved in graft has proved that MACC is the most independent body in the country.Pakatan NGO Pro BN Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar (pic) said the excellent success of MACC that exposed hundreds of million Ringgit has also shot down claims by certain quarters that MACC is being controlled when it comes to making decisions.

He said the graft case which is still being investigated by MACC is an unexpected one.

"I fully regret that this case is happening because as a civil servant, upholding integrity should be placed as the utmost important because it is in a system of the management and administration of a government department he or she is working in.

"Nonetheless, the Court is the only institution that could determine whether the person is guilty or otherwise on the charge(s) he or she being accused of and it is a normal practice in any democracy country.

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Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

"To accuse a civil servant for a corruption charge is not totally accurate because the graft case involving two senior government officials is an isolated case and I believe that there are many senior government officers in the state who are honest and full of integrity," Zulkarnain said here.

He was commenting on an on-going investigation of two senior State government officers in a Water Department, who are under remand, with another businessman with a title 'Datuk' and his accountant by MACC for alleged graft offences involving monopolising development projects worth RM3.3 billion.

Zulkarnain, who is also Gerakan Akar Umno Umno Malaysia (GAUM) President said MACC should also expand its scope of investigation to third parties, especially the contractors as it would impossible for the civil servants to act alone.

He said it is timely for MACC to consider increasing the jail term for those found convicted for committing corrupt practices to the maximum level and to include whipping.

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"Presently, the jail term for those found committing corruption would be up to 10 years and I believe it is less effective and thus MACC should consider raising the imprisonment up to 30 years and whipping should also be included when meting out the sentences.

"I also hope that MACC conduct special courses and briefing for civil servants, including inviting speakers of religious backgrounds so as to remind and make them realise that the trust given by the government on their shoulders must be upheld, defended and not for sale," he said.

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