Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has clarified that its primary function is to seize and recover misappropriated funds, rather than oversee their allocation or expenditure.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki emphasized that while the MACC's responsibility is to ensure the forfeiture of misappropriated funds to the government, the subsequent management of these assets falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MOF). "In short, our duty is to confiscate and forfeit those funds to the government under the MOF's purview. It is not our responsibility to ensure where that money is spent," Azam stated during a press conference for the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Federal Territories Department and the MACC.

Azam's comments were in response to a statement by Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim, who called for greater transparency from both the MACC and the government regarding the use of RM8.5 billion in forfeited illicit funds. Azam reiterated, "What is important to us is to return the money stolen from the people, back to the people."

Recently, MCW has urged the government to provide regular public reports on the usage of seized assets. The organization also recommended that these funds be subject to independent parliamentary and civil society monitoring, ensuring enforcement is impartial and consistent, irrespective of rank or status.