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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has called for Budget 2026 to send a strong and unambiguous signal of the government’s commitment to combatting corruption and strengthening enforcement institutions across the board.
Speaking at the 2025 Anti-Corruption Convention hosted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Organisation (PAKAR) on Thursday, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki emphasised the need for a more coordinated and empowered enforcement landscape, not just for the MACC but for all relevant agencies.
“We will continue our efforts to recover government funds that have been lost,” he said. “I hope that during tomorrow’s budget presentation, there will be clear government resolve on integrity and anti-corruption issues, and perhaps also on empowering enforcement agencies in our country — not just the MACC, but other enforcement bodies as well, so that everyone moves together.”
Azam highlighted that the MACC’s focus this year has been on addressing systemic financial leakages and cracking down on syndicated corruption cases that have cost the nation significantly. Recovery of misappropriated public funds also remains a central element of its strategic priorities.
He added that the effectiveness of anti-corruption work depends not only on institutional efforts, but on sustained financial and political support from the government.
The National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) director-general and PAKAR adviser, Datuk Seri Shamshun Bahrin Mohd Jamil, was also present at the event.
Budget 2026 will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - October 9, 2025