More often than not, we feel as if the government and its institutions have failed Malaysia. As we start the New Year, the rakyat, must sometimes feel that their democratic rights have been stolen from them; but instead of feeling downhearted, they must continue to speak out, and regain their rights.
MACC director of special operations Bahri Mohamad Zin recently acknowledged that much as he would like to reveal the name of the donor of Najib's Abdul Razak RM2.6 billion, the law precluded him from doing so.
Most sceptics would have said, "How convenient!"
First, we were told in November 2015, we should not rush the MACC into conducting a hasty investigation. Then, in early December, the Deputy PM told Parliament that as the investigations were on-going, a statement would compromise the outcome.
At the end of December, we have finally been informed that the donor's name, cannot be divulged.
Actually, we expected this. The MACC's so called "investigation" has been a waste of time, effort and money. It was a charade, to make us think that this was a responsible government, initiating a probe into allegations of corruption.
For most Malaysians, this latest MACC trick is "business as usual". Need we say any more, after what happened to the family of Teoh Beng Hock, who were denied a fair hearing and crack at justice?
One political observer said, "What is the point of having an anti-corruption body, which is toothless?"
Another added, "Our civil service employs 1.3 million people, and is one of the largest in the world. The MACC takes its orders from the PM's Department. So, how can it do its work, without fear or favour?"
A social cynic said, "Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad is responsible for taking away the independence of many of our public institutions."
Bahri said, "MACC has no problem revealing the details of the investigation if it did not violate the laws. However, the current provisions do not allow MACC to do so."
PKR MP Rafizi Ramli requested details of the donor of the RM2.6 billion, but his request was declined by the MACC director, who advised Rafizi to amend the act to enable the MACC to reveal the results of the investigations, to the public.
So, why did the MACC fail to mention the MACC Act 2009, at the start of the investigations? How long will an amendment take?
Our trust in the MACC and the government has been severely tested. After heightened public interest, our hopes have finally been crushed. It is doubtful if we will ever get to the bottom of this allegation of outrageous corruption, involving the prime minister of Malaysia.
Did the head of the MACC not understand the implications of the MACC Act 2009, when it was first tabled? Did their legal advisers not inform them of the ramifications, and possible restrictions, of this Act, or do they take their legal advice from the same bunch of lawyers, which acts for the government. Do they understand the concept of a conflict of interest?
One political pundit said, "If the MACC cannot do its work properly, why do we need to fund this department, which is nothing but a paper tiger? This sort of outcome does not give the public any confidence, in the institutions of Malaysia."
A substantial portion of the rakyat believe that they are told a bunch of lies, from the beginning to the end. So, what will happen now? Does it mean that any allegation of large scale corruption will be allowed to progress unhindered?
Only the small fry will be caught. Only the corruption cases involving a few hundred ringgits will be solved.
The public is angry and it can only vent its frustrations in online newspapers and on social media. Those who criticise the government will be arrested by the police under the Sedition Act, and very soon, the National Security Council (NSC) Bill will give the police and Najib unlimited powers.
We hope that one of the MACC's New Year resolutions is to attempt to regain public confidence, by acting in the best interests of the Malaysian people.
Mariam Mokhtar is “a Malaysian who dares to speak the truth”. "theantdaily"
MACC director of special operations Bahri Mohamad Zin recently acknowledged that much as he would like to reveal the name of the donor of Najib's Abdul Razak RM2.6 billion, the law precluded him from doing so.
Most sceptics would have said, "How convenient!"
First, we were told in November 2015, we should not rush the MACC into conducting a hasty investigation. Then, in early December, the Deputy PM told Parliament that as the investigations were on-going, a statement would compromise the outcome.
At the end of December, we have finally been informed that the donor's name, cannot be divulged.
Actually, we expected this. The MACC's so called "investigation" has been a waste of time, effort and money. It was a charade, to make us think that this was a responsible government, initiating a probe into allegations of corruption.
For most Malaysians, this latest MACC trick is "business as usual". Need we say any more, after what happened to the family of Teoh Beng Hock, who were denied a fair hearing and crack at justice?
One political observer said, "What is the point of having an anti-corruption body, which is toothless?"
Another added, "Our civil service employs 1.3 million people, and is one of the largest in the world. The MACC takes its orders from the PM's Department. So, how can it do its work, without fear or favour?"
A social cynic said, "Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad is responsible for taking away the independence of many of our public institutions."
Bahri said, "MACC has no problem revealing the details of the investigation if it did not violate the laws. However, the current provisions do not allow MACC to do so."
PKR MP Rafizi Ramli requested details of the donor of the RM2.6 billion, but his request was declined by the MACC director, who advised Rafizi to amend the act to enable the MACC to reveal the results of the investigations, to the public.
So, why did the MACC fail to mention the MACC Act 2009, at the start of the investigations? How long will an amendment take?
Our trust in the MACC and the government has been severely tested. After heightened public interest, our hopes have finally been crushed. It is doubtful if we will ever get to the bottom of this allegation of outrageous corruption, involving the prime minister of Malaysia.
Did the head of the MACC not understand the implications of the MACC Act 2009, when it was first tabled? Did their legal advisers not inform them of the ramifications, and possible restrictions, of this Act, or do they take their legal advice from the same bunch of lawyers, which acts for the government. Do they understand the concept of a conflict of interest?
One political pundit said, "If the MACC cannot do its work properly, why do we need to fund this department, which is nothing but a paper tiger? This sort of outcome does not give the public any confidence, in the institutions of Malaysia."
A substantial portion of the rakyat believe that they are told a bunch of lies, from the beginning to the end. So, what will happen now? Does it mean that any allegation of large scale corruption will be allowed to progress unhindered?
Only the small fry will be caught. Only the corruption cases involving a few hundred ringgits will be solved.
The public is angry and it can only vent its frustrations in online newspapers and on social media. Those who criticise the government will be arrested by the police under the Sedition Act, and very soon, the National Security Council (NSC) Bill will give the police and Najib unlimited powers.
We hope that one of the MACC's New Year resolutions is to attempt to regain public confidence, by acting in the best interests of the Malaysian people.
Mariam Mokhtar is “a Malaysian who dares to speak the truth”. "theantdaily"