MACC Says Its Role Ends With Asset Recovery, Spending Decisions Fall Under MOF
PUTRAJAYA: The Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (MACC) has reiterated that its primary responsibility is to recover and return funds obtained through corruption to the government, while decisions on how the money is spent lie entirely with the Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia (MOF).
Chief Commissioner Azam Baki said the agency’s mandate is limited to asset seizure, confiscation and legal recovery, without involvement in public expenditure planning.
He explained that MACC functions strictly as an enforcement and investigative body, whereas financial management falls under the government’s administrative system.
“Our duty is to seize and forfeit these funds to the government under the Ministry of Finance. It is not our role to decide how the money is spent,” he said.
Azam made the remarks after attending a cooperation agreement signing ceremony between MACC and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
Restoring Public Assets
He said MACC’s success in recovering more than RM8.5 billion in illicit funds in 2025 demonstrates the agency’s strong commitment to integrity and financial transparency.
According to him, returning stolen assets is a core responsibility in restoring public trust and safeguarding national resources.
“This shows that we are serious about ensuring that public funds taken through corruption are returned for the benefit of citizens,” he said.
Azam added that enforcement effectiveness should not be measured solely by arrests and convictions, but also by the ability to reclaim stolen assets.
Responding to Civil Society Concerns
Azam was responding to remarks by the president of Pemerhati Rasuah Malaysia (MCW), Jais Abdul Karim, who said the recovered RM8.5 billion would only be meaningful if used transparently and responsibly.
Jais noted that while the recovery was a major enforcement achievement, it also reflected the alarming scale of corruption in major projects, procurement systems and licensing processes.
Azam said MACC respected the views of civil society organisations but stressed that budgetary allocation and spending decisions were beyond the agency’s authority.
“We do not control how these funds are distributed. That is determined through government budget mechanisms,” he said.
Enforcement Achievements in 2025
From January 1 to December 31, 2025, MACC recovered more than RM8.5 billion through various enforcement actions.
These included asset seizures, account freezes, forfeiture proceedings, legal settlements and administrative penalties.
Azam said the achievements were the result of close cooperation between MACC, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and prosecutors.
He emphasised that fighting corruption requires a comprehensive approach involving investigation, prevention and public education.
Strengthening Governance and Transparency
Looking ahead, Azam said MACC would continue strengthening monitoring systems, investigative capabilities and preventive measures.
He stressed that large-scale asset recovery should serve as a reminder of the severe impact corruption has on national development.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a clean, transparent and corruption-free administration for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
He added that sustained cooperation between government agencies, civil society and the public is essential to ensure long-term success in combating corruption.
-wilayah.com.my
