KUCHING, Dec 19 ― Putrajaya has underestimated the extent of corruption in Malaysia, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said.

“I have heard many years ago of claims that the level of corruption in Malaysia was tolerable, with not many cases of corruption and abuses of power, unlike a neighbouring country where corruption and abuses of power were openly committed,” Adenan said at the Kenyalang Journalism Awards 2015 here last night, without naming the country.

“But not anymore. We have underestimated the situation (of corruption in Malaysia),” he said without going into details.

The Sarawak chief minister said it was better to overestimate than to underestimate the level of corruption in the country.

“If we overestimate and if we are proven to be wrong, then it is good,” he said.

Global watchdog Transparency International (TI) said last September that Malaysia was facing a “major corruption crisis”, amid the controversy surrounding a RM2.6 billion donation transferred to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s personal bank accounts.

Adenan also told the media last night to expose corruption and abuse of power among politicians and government officials, but warned journalists at the same time not to make accusations without proof.

“Do not be in a state of denial, do not be afraid to expose corruption and abuses of power,” Adenan said.

He said media exposure on corruption and illegal logging in Sarawak has helped check such practices.

“People are careful on what they do and say in public. Even politicians are careful now, but the media must keep [making] them toe the line,” he said.

Adenan also told the press to expose “what the government has not done or has done for the ordinary people.”

“You do not have to be afraid. I am liberal in my view,” he said.