Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed was sworn in as the new Chief Commissioner of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission today. Congratulations.
The question is whether Abu Kassim can redeem the reputation of MACC, which has plunged to the lowest ebb ever plumbed by its predecessor, the Anti-Corruption Agency, in its 41 year history from 1967-2008 – a most adverse reference and comparison.
There are two simple things Abu Kassim can do to demonstrate that he will lead a MACC which is independent, non-partisan and professional gaining national and international confidence and recognition as a fore-most world graft buster in the league of Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), viz:
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To direct MACC officer Raub Ghani to drop the baseless police report he lodged against Thai pathologist Dr. Pornthip Rojanasunand for allegedly “leaking” information to unauthorized people on the forensic report on the second post mortem on Teoh Beng Hock on Nov. 22; and
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To ask the Selangor police to drop baseless investigations against Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng and DAP Selangor State Chairman and Selangor Executive Councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah in connection with the Teoh Beng Hock inquest so as not to compromise public confidence in the independence, professionalism and integrity of the MACC.
Is Abu Kassim capable of doing both?