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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is intensifying efforts to recover misappropriated national revenue through “Ops Grip”, a major investigation into financial leakages involving multiple companies.
Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that although no further arrests have been made, the operation—launched just over a month ago—is actively analysing financial records and pursuing asset recovery strategies.
“This is not just about investigating corruption or abuse of power,” he said. “We are also focused on asset recovery—returning to the government properties or funds lost due to tax evasion or other forms of leakage. Any proceeds gained through protection from any party must be returned to the country.”
Speaking after officiating the closing ceremony of the Young Integrity Cadet Programme (Kor SUAR) at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Azam stressed that financial misconduct often takes two forms: uncollected revenue and illegal activities designed to avoid taxation.
He explained that MACC is leading a multi-agency task force involving Bank Negara Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), and the Customs Department to pursue such cases and enforce systemic accountability.
“Ops Grip involves tracking money trails and conducting forensic accounting, which takes time,” he said. “We are also working with LHDN and Bank Negara to scrutinise the financial activities of the implicated companies.”
Azam reiterated that the investigation is retrospective in nature. “Our probe extends beyond real-time transactions. We are tracing historic misappropriations. Those who have stolen must return what they’ve taken—and should also face bankruptcy proceedings.”
He also confirmed that MACC had submitted investigation papers regarding the arrest of 16 financial officers and hinted that more arrests could follow. “We’ve handed the files to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further review before charges are brought,” he added.
In a separate development, MACC has deployed a 40-member team to Sabah to monitor the upcoming state election, ensuring transparency and compliance with the Election Offences Act 1954.
“We’ve prepared our team in the state and also sent officers from headquarters. Sabah is vast and requires wide coverage, but we’ve established a monitoring system to ensure oversight across all areas,” said Azam.
An election operations room will be set up in Kota Kinabalu and later expanded to other districts. MACC will also be coordinating with the police to maintain electoral integrity.
The 17th Sabah State Election was announced following the dissolution of the State Assembly on 6 October by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Polling is scheduled for 29 November, with nomination day on 15 November and early voting on 25 November. The state has 79 seats, of which 73 will be contested while six remain appointed. - October 18, 2025
