PETALING JAYA: The mechanism to combat graft and improve good governance must be beefed up by the Health Ministry following the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe into Covid-19 related procurement, says Chan Quin Er (pic).

       The MCA spokesman said the party takes the allegations of corruption involving the procurement and purchase of medical equipment and medicines as reported in the media on May 26, 2022, very seriously.

       "Cooperation from all quarters will also ensure that those involved in power abuse are prosecuted.

       "Simultaneously, the Health Ministry is urged to strengthen its mechanism through the existing Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) in order to improve good governance and ensure that this issue does not recur," she said in a statement on Friday (May 27).

       On May 24, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was reported to have said that the agency was conducting an investigation into the alleged corruption, malpractice and abuse of power in Covid-19-related procurement.

       Chan said the MCA has always been consistent in taking a firm stance against corruption, malpractices, and power abuse, as these transgressions are the primary causes of leakages, putting the nation's economy at risk.

       "According to the (media) report, enforcement officers assigned to enforce the movement control order (MCO) abused their authority in the distribution of aid and stimulus packages.

       "In fact, the quality and quantity of medical personal protection equipment purchased during the pandemic, are also said to be tainted with corruption.

       "The connection between corruption and economic leakages is strong and cannot be ignored," she added.

       However, she said that MCA was confident that the Health Ministry would cooperate in this matter in order to maintain transparency and good governance.

       "Essentially, good governance will allow an organisation to weather any challenges.

       "When corruption occurs, not only does the government suffer huge losses, but the rakyat suffers as well because the government is unable to provide and channel the best and most appropriate services to the public," she said.

       MCA, Chan added, encourages everyone, especially leaders and all members of the workforce, to always carry out their responsibilities with full responsibility, honesty, and trust.

       "The principle of carrying out responsibilities and trust in a transparent, accountable, and prudent manner within the framework of high integrity practices is a goal that Malaysia must strive for in order to excel in the future," she added.