KOTA KINABALU (Aug 6): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is not only tasked with fighting corruption but also plays a vital role in helping the government prevent future leakages, said MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), Datuk Sri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya.
He said the Sabah State Government’s efforts to curb leakages, for example, will bring wide-ranging impacts if done systematically.
“The direction in this state is not only to prevent corruption, but we must also think about how to help the State Government curb leakages so that the impact is long-lasting,” he said.
Ahmad Khusairi said this after witnessing the handing over of duties for the Sabah MACC director post from outgoing director Datuk Karunanithy Y. Subbiah to Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah at the Sabah Federal Government Administrative Complex here on Wednesday.
Mohd Fuad, who previously served as Penang MACC director, will officially take over as Sabah MACC director on August 15. Karunanithy has been appointed as the new Penang MACC director.
Ahmad Khusairi praised Karunanithy’s contributions, saying he played a pivotal role in strengthening public trust in MACC and successfully led several major operations during his tenure in Sabah.
“He has shown extraordinary commitment, firm and strategic leadership, and managed to overcome various major challenges throughout his service here,” he added.
He also expressed confidence that the appointment of Mohd Fuad, a Sabahan, would further strengthen the commission’s anti-corruption agenda in the state.
In his farewell speech, Karunanithy said the success of the Sabah MACC during his tenure was due to strategic collaboration with federal and state departments, as well as media partners.
“I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the Sabah State Government, especially Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr. Haji Safar Untong for supporting all initiatives — whether in operations, prevention, or governance reforms — proposed during my tenure,” he said.
Karunanithy, who served as Sabah MACC director for five years and 11 months since September 17, 2019, urged MACC staff to continue upholding a work culture rooted in integrity and professionalism.
Also present at the event were Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Seri Haji Rosli Isa, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Haji Sabin Samitah.
-Agency