MACC chief urges public to see beyond ‘bad apples’ in law enforcement agencies

PUTRAJAYA, April 2 — Public perception towards enforcement officers must change, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said today, noting that the actions of a few “bad apples” often overshadow the majority who serve with integrity.

Speaking at the Multiagency Taskforce Engagement Session at MACC headquarters here, Azam said negative perceptions frequently arise whenever issues of corruption or misconduct surface, even though many officers continue to carry out their duties professionally.

“Enforcement personnel are frequently associated with corruption whenever any issue arises. While it is true there are bad apples, the good apples often go unnoticed.

“The positive side of law enforcement is rarely highlighted, while shortcomings are easily criticised. This is a perception that needs to be corrected within society,” he said.

Azam warned that such perceptions could undermine confidence in enforcement institutions, despite ongoing efforts to strengthen integrity and improve governance within agencies.

He added that economic pressures, including financial hardship and poverty, can contribute to a rise in crime, ranging from drug-related offences to financial crimes and corruption, which in turn often enable other illegal activities.

“When economic challenges occur, crime tends to rise, whether it involves drugs, financial crime, or corruption, which often facilitates other offences,” he said.

Azam stressed that enforcement agencies must remain focused on carrying out their responsibilities regardless of external narratives, including political discourse, as public trust ultimately depends on whether authorities are seen to be performing their duties effectively.

“We can speak about governance and proper administration, but outside there will always be different narratives, including political ones, and that is their prerogative.

“However, our responsibility is to carry out our duties regardless of what is being said. Ultimately, public perception will focus on whether government officers, especially those in law enforcement, are performing their duties effectively,” he said.