New director vows to combat graft in Labuan

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LABUAN: The new director of the Labuan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Hasbilah Mohd Salleh, has urged the people here to provide information on corruption.

Speaking to reporters yesterday after receiving duties from his predecessor Zainuddin Hussin, Hasbilah said he was determined to combat corrupt elements on this island.

“I expect close cooperation from the community here and also from other government agencies to counter corruption as it is happening everywhere.

“Corruption is there when there is an opportunity to commit it. We need to work as a team to ensure we achieve the mission.

“Our enforcement personnel may not be sufficient and that is why we need the help from the locals to be our ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’,” he said.

Hasbilah, who formerly served at the Sibu MACC and originating from Limbang, Sarawak, told the public to perform their duty as a rightful and responsible community and not to be fearful to lodge any report on corruption or power abuse to the MACC.

“Corruption is not only related to money alone but also on a system and procedure of anZainuddin Hussiny organisation.

“The development here is on-going and the possibility of corruption too may happen and I will do my best to deal with the problem,” he said.

Zainuddin is being transferred to MACC, Putrajaya after serving here since 2006.

He reminded officers and staff of the department to give full cooperation to the new director in order to enhance the image of the commission among the people.

Zainuddin disclosed that 72 reports on corruption were received last year, seven investigation papers were opened, six arrests were made and two individuals were charged in court.

Up till February, this year, 14 reports had been received and two investigation papers were opened.

Sabah MACC director Hj Abdul Jalil Jafar was also present to witness the handing over of duties.