KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not need to wait for directives to act against government officers suspected to be involved in corruption over illegal farming in Cameron Highlands, said the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
He said he was confident that the MACC as an independent body will take the appropriate action against the officers involved according to the law.
“MACC is an independent body, so they will investigate and act accordingly.
We (government) do not give any directives (to MACC),” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after presenting letters of appointment for acting posts and promotion to 48 officers of the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan) and Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM) at the Wildlife Protection Department headquarters here today.
Also present were Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal and Natural Resources and Environment Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Zoal Azha Yusof.
Yesterday, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull was reported as saying that the body was investigating two senior government officers over illegal farming activities in Cameron Highlands.
According to him, MACC had opened the investigation papers following information that the two officers serving at the highlands were living beyond the means.
Earlier, Ali in his speech called on the department involved in forestry enforcement activities to employ the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) proactively through their collaboration with JPSM to ensure integrated and comprehensive action.
“I believe in sustainable management and development of forestry resources and as such there will be various obstacles and challenges in enforcement.
“I understand JPSM is strengthening and streamlining aspects of enforcement to ensure the nation’s natural resources are protected and properly managed,” he said. — Bernama
