MBM urges greater anti-corruption presence in elections to curb bribery

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) has urged for stronger anti-corruption measures during elections, suggesting a greater presence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) throughout the entire electoral process.

Its president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid said the initiative would help ensure that political campaigns were not marred by corrupt practices or abuse of power.

"The number of MACC’s operations rooms, officers and personnel on the ground must be increased so that both the public and political actors are afraid to engage in bribery.

"The more visible the enforcement presence, the broader the scope of control and monitoring over these activities," he said in an interview with Sinar.

He stressed that the role of election observers must also be empowered to oversee the conduct of candidates and political parties throughout election campaigns.

Izzat suggested that appointed observers should include members from anti-corruption non-governmental organisations, stressing that their involvement in every election was crucial.

MBM urges stronger anti-corruption measures during elections, suggesting a greater presence of the MACC throughout the entire electoral process. - BERNAMA FILE PIX

"In addition, the Political Funding Act should be expedited and tabled in Parliament.

"This will ensure that all political parties compete on a fair and level playing field, while also reducing corruption within political parties," he said.

He welcomed the MACC’s current move to establish special operations rooms during the ongoing by-election, describing it as a step in the right direction.

"MBM also hopes that operations rooms will not only be set up at state MACC headquarters, but, if possible, smaller rooms should be established in constituencies to make it easier for the public to lodge reports.

"The presence of MACC personnel on the ground needs to be intensified to instil fear among political actors who intend to engage in bribery," he added.