KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened 15 investigation papers so far based on the Auditor-General’s Report 2012 which was presented in Parliament five days ago.

In a statement, MACC investigation director Datuk Mustafar Ali said the investigations were being carried out under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009.

The MACC is also holding discussions with the National Audit Department in order to obtain information that may contribute to the investigations.

“MACC has formed a special team along with the National Audit Department to take follow-up action.

“MACC, which is leading this special team, will present its findings, action plans and proposals for action against parties found guilty of corrupt practices, misappropriation, abuse of power and fraud,” Mustafar said.

He said MACC saw the formation of a special committee, chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, as a significant and proactive effort to ensure issues in the A-G’s report are not repeated.

“At the same time, decisive action will be taken against the negligent and those who fail to comply with regulations and the law, and even more so against those involved in corruption,”

Based on Saturday’s announcement by Mustafar, the MACC has already begun to examine issues with elements of corruption, abuse of power and fraud.

“MACC takes seriously the weaknesses and leaks presented in the previous A-G’s reports and the A-G’s Report 2012.

“It is the duty and responsibility of MACC to investigate graft cases, abuse of power and misappropriation including those brought up in the report.”

Regarding the previous A-G report, the MACC said two cases had been brought to court while disciplinary action had been taken against five government officers.

The MACC also said through joint action with other government agencies, steps had been taken to improve systems and procedures which could reduce the risk of corruption.

The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is also moving in and will focus on any type of high-value project to curb the misuse of government funds.

Its chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said if it was to focus on everything, it would be difficult to achieve results.

“The problem with small ticket items is usually negligence and government departments must have processes in places to prevent this from happening.

“Disciplinary action can be one way to curb this but at the end of the day, it is up those responsible to take action.”

Nur Jazlan said if there had any abuse that warranted investigation, the committee would not hesitate to do so.

“We want to build public confidence and at the same time curb abuses,” he said.

“We will study the report and make recommendations to the respective ministries and it will be up the ministry or department to take action against those responsible.

“The committee will also make recommendations to the ministries on how to rectify the problems.

“Part of it will be on how to improve processes and management of projects.”