PUTRAJAYA – Corruption in the country has resulted in the loss of at least RM277 billion over the last five years, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.
He said this figure was according to the cumulative estimate of the country’s gross domestic product between 2018 and 2023.
“This large amount of money could have been used to help the public in so many ways, implementing social projects such as repairing schools and hospitals.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost it to corruption.”
Azam was speaking at the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategies (NACS) 2024-2028 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
He also said fighting corruption now was very different from how it was done decades ago as the world had significantly changed.
“The leakages and losses experienced by the country are also much different now as compared to a few years ago.
“It is hoped that with the NACS, the fight against corruption will be carried out more effectively with the approaches and methods outlined in the strategy to determine the sectors in the government that are compromised.”
The NACS 2024-2028, which was earlier launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, outlines five core strategies aimed at preventing corrupt practices in the country.
Azam said the NACS would replace the National Anti-Corruption Plan for 2019-2023.
The five-year strategy plan outlines key anti-corruption strategies focused on enhancing integrity, transparency and accountability across sectors such as politics, public administration, government procurement, law enforcement, legislative and judicial institutions, and the private sector.
He said the NACS was a government effort to develop a national strategy to combat corruption in line with Article 5 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
“Article 5 mandates that UN member nations produce a document that would be the primary reference for anti-corruption initiatives at the national level.”
When speaking to reporters after the launch, Azam said it was important to ensure the country would not lose money to corruption.
“The RM277 billion is just an estimation based on the GDP. On average, if we divide that by five, we’re looking at a yearly loss of roughly RM55 billion.
“This is what we need to save. This is not from the perspective of generating income but rather on cost savings because if we can save the money, the public can benefit better.”
On his contract, which is expected to end on May 12, Azam said he did not want to speculate on the matter.
“My birthday is on May 12. Anyone who wants to give me a present can do so.”
Azam was appointed MACC chief commissioner on March 9, 2020, succeeding Latheefa Koya, who resigned after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government. – May 7, 2024