Budget 2025: Govt Grants MACC Full Authority to Investigate and Prosecute Corruption Offenders

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has tabled the Budget 2025 in the Parliament today (October 18).

Anwar has recently been discussing the need to end corruption, and the topic was brought up again in Parliament today.

He stressed his firm stance on fighting corruption, describing it as the “silent cancer” that undermines the morals of the people and the confidence of investors.

The government is looking to give complete freedom to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate and take strict action to bring corruption offenders to justice. The figures show an increase of over 20% in arrests and investigations opened for the year 2023 compared to the previous year.

“There’s no point in setting economic directions and various policies if the implementation remains stagnant—abuse of power, misappropriation of funds, and enriching a select few. The future of the nation depends on our success in combating corruption,” Anwar added.

For the coming year, the MACC’s allocation has been increased to RM360 million, up from RM338 million.

The National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) has been developed to eliminate all forms of corruption through robust and detailed strategies.

Other efforts that followed include the Freedom of Information Bill and the Government Procurement Bill aimed at strengthening governance and the efficiency of public services.

“The National Audit Department has received a budget increase to 200 million ringgit, up from 173 million ringgit, to support audits of nearly 2,000 companies and entities benefiting from government funding.”

Stay tuned for more updates!