Kota Kinabalu: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Youth welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) recent statement that it will closely monitor the coming Sabah 17th general election, but urged the agency to ensure that its pledge is matched by concrete action on the ground.
Upko National Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang said the MACC’s assurance should not remain mere rhetoric but translated into firm and visible measures to curb corruption throughout the election process.
“Walk the talk. The MACC’s statement must become a reality, not just words.
“The commission must actively monitor all possible elements of corruption during the campaign period and on polling day,” he said in a statement, Monday.
Felix said Malaysians expect the MACC to demonstrate genuine commitment in ensuring that the state election is conducted transparently, fairly, and free from corrupt practices.
“The MACC must be on the ground to monitor all activities from nomination to polling day, including vote buying, political inducements, misuse of government machinery and any form of bribery that could influence voters,” he said.
He emphasised that firm action must be taken against any offenders, regardless of their political affiliation or position.
“Only through bold and consistent enforcement can the MACC restore public confidence that the institution is truly independent, with integrity, and serious about combating corruption in the nation’s democratic process,” Felix said.
He also urged the commission to impose appropriate penalties on any parties or candidates found guilty of electoral corruption, saying that the public wants to see the MACC take real, deterrent action.
Meanwhile, Felix, who also heads Upko’s Beluran Division, proposed that the MACC deploy more monitoring officers across Sabah’s constituencies to ensure comprehensive coverage.
“We call on the MACC to assign at least 73 officers, one for each constituency in Sabah instead of the 40 reportedly planned. Sabah’s vast and challenging geography requires broader and more effective surveillance,” he said.
Felix reaffirmed that Upko Youth would continue to support the efforts of enforcement agencies, including the MACC, to ensure the upcoming state election is conducted with transparency, integrity, and fairness, thereby restoring public trust in Malaysia’s democratic system.