ACA begins investigating 82 cases of money politics

By ALLISON LAI

ALOR GAJAH: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has begun investigations into 82 cases involving money politics.

Its director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan confirmed that the agency had received some 280 reports with 82 cases having basis for the ACA to conduct investigations.

“We have received about 280 reports so far and we have opened investigations into 82 cases.

“If there is sufficient evidence then we will take action against them by either taking them to court or referring them to their respective disciplinary boards,” he told reporters here Thursday after closing the ACA Basic Training Course for 87 investigating officers.

He did not name the political affiliation of those under investigation and stressed that the agency does not label such cases as one of money politics but simply as bribery.

“For the ACA, there is no such thing as money politics as anything to do with a bribe is considered corruption,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said that the agency had received 14,817 reports as of Nov 19 this year compared to the estimated 13,900 reports for the whole of last year.

He noted that the increase in the number of reports is a good indication that the public supports the ACA’s effort to combat corruption and abuse of power.

He added that the agency is beefing up its manpower capabilities from the current 1,800 officers to 2,700 next year.

He said the agency hopes to increase its strength to 5,000 officers with plans to open up branches in Kuala Kubu Baru, Limbang and Gua Musang.

Source: The Star 20.11.2008