HOPES ON REMOVAL OF UNNECESSARY TAXES DEPENDS ON MACC’s PERFORMANCE

I refer to the statement by Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed who vowed that he would take steps to restore the credibility of the organisation when he takes over the top post from 1st January, 2010.

I acknowledge that it is no easy task to redeem the credibility of MACC and public confidence in any short span of time. However, the general Malaysians may not be that forgiving in granting any further extension of time to MACC in bringing persons alleged in corruption to justice. Thus, time is of essence in any steps to redeem the credibility of MACC and public confidence.

Undoubtedly, the public views corruption as the main cause of wastage of government funds, increasing government expenditures and leading to greater budget deficit.

I believe corruption is one of the indirect causes which led to the introduction of various form of taxes to replenish government coffers, including the reintroduction of the 5% Real Property Gains Tax (which now applies even for property acquired more than 5 years), the imposition of RM50 service tax for every credit card (notwithstanding calls for exemption for one credit card per Malaysian) and the soon to be tabled Goods & Services Tax (GST) (which is viewed as taxing the poor via consumption).

In turn, corruption would indirectly burden all Malaysians (except the perpetrators). Thus, the success of MACC in lowering the rate of corruption is crucial to every ordinary Malaysian and the possibility of removal of any unnecessary taxes on Malaysians in future.
In this regards, I would like to propose to Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed for him to consider the following upon taking over the post of MACC Chief Commissioner from 1st January, 2010:-

1. MACC would automatically investigate any form of corruption or misappropriation of funds highlighted in the Auditor General’s Annual Report (irrespective of whether the matter occurs at the federal or state level BN or PR government). MACC would publish an annual report on the actions taken by MACC on the Auditor General’s Annual Report. To date, a large number of the reported alleged wrongdoers highlighted in the Auditor General’s Annual Report (since the formation of MACC) had not been charged and the government had failed to recover the misappropriated funds.

2. MACC should disclose in an annual report on how many of the reported cases per year that they have received and what are the actions that had been taken. For cases which MACC have decided no action to be taken or action failed to be taken after the lapse of six (6) months after receipt of the public complaints/ reports, MACC must list out the reason for their failure or reluctance to prosecute.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed as the new MACC chief commissioner comes this 1st January, 2010 and to wish him all the best in weeding out corruptions in Malaysia.