eNewsletter SPRM - IAACA Conference 2012

th IAACA CONFERENCE AND6 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGWelcome Address by Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamedto put what we have learnt into practice.At times, it is the mistakes that we havemade and the pitfalls that we have faced,that have taught us the most.The Honorable Datuk Seri Mohd Najibbin Tun Abdul Razak,Prime Minister of MalaysiaProfessor Cao Jianming, President of IAA-CA,Delegates and Distinguished Guests,The focus of our discussions over thenext few days is based on the four pillarsof the United Nations ConventionAgainst Corruption (UNCAC), which isnamely:1. Law Enfocement;2. Prevention of Corruption;3. Asset Recovery; and4. International CooperationThese pillars underpin and guide our efforts,especially in light of the increasinginternationaliation of crime. This factalone makes international cooperationcritically important – both formally andinformally – through collaboration, the exchangeof information, as well as technicalassistanjce.It is my contention that in a world wherecorruption is becoming increasingly sophisticatedand globalised, inert-governmentaland by extension, inter-agency cooperationwill play and ever more vital rolein combating and preventing such crimes.To put it bluntly, we either work together orwe will lose together.Ladies and Gentlemen,I want to use this occasion to reaffirm thatMalaysia stands committed to share andexchange information intelligence with ourinternational anti-corruption counterparts.We shall continue to strengthen our internationalcommitment through the provisionof capacity and capability buildingand provide technical assistance to othermember states. Our Anti-Corruption Academywill always be there for you – all youhave to do is ask.Ladies and Gentlemen,May I, on behalf of The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) welcomeyou to Malaysia and to the 6th InternationalAssociation of Anti-Corruption AuthoritiesConference and Annual GeneralMeeting. Thank you for making the effortto attend this important conference and toengage in the IACC’s quest to strengthenour collective efforts in the on-going battleagainst corruption.Ladies and Gentlemen,Many scholars and commentators on corruptionhave stressed that without politicalsupport, the fight against corruption islost even before it has begun. That is notthe case in Malaysia, for not only do wehave a government that is committed tofight corruption and provide the necessaryresources, we also have a Prime Ministerwho takes a close interest in, and supportsthe difficult and sometimes lonelywork of the MACC officers. For Prime MinisterDatuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun AbdulRazak, his presence with us here todaydemonstrates his continued commitmentto, and encouragement for, internationalcollaboration.Sir, on behalf of my officers and all conferencedelegates, I thank you for your concern.Ladies and Gentlemen,I am convinced that I order to meet thechallenges of cross border and informationtechnology driven crimes, there is aneed to further develop forms of collaborationwhich will enhance our domestic andinternational initiatives in combating corruption.However, weneed to remain alert tothe legal implicationsboth in terms of admissibleevidence anddiffering but requiredrules and procedures.These obstacles, givengoodwill, are not insurmountable.Ladies and Gentlemen,Before the introduction of various internationalconventions that mandated internationalcooperation, most anti-corruptionagencies used informal assistance as ameans to secure information. This processinvolved networking to seek informationon matters ranging from the whereaboutsof witnesses, suspects and documents.This practice must continue.Over the past 45 years, the MalaysianAnti-Corruption Commission has collaboratedwith many anti-corruption agenciesand authorities. These collaborative partnershipshave largely proved successful.Despite the difficult challenges, we haveused these experiences as an opportunityto learn, improve our know-how, andI must take this opportunity to thank theMalaysian Government for the grant of OneMillion Ringgit. This is another example ofthe Prime minister’s commitment and already,the IACA Academy has launched aMasters Programme, part of which will beconducted at the“Malaysia not only has a governmentthat is committed to fighting corruptionby providing the necessary resources,we also have a Prime Minister whotakes a close interest in, and supportsthe difficult and sometimes lonely workof the MACC officers”Datuk Seri Abu Kassim MohamedMACC Chief CommissionerMalaysian Anti-Corruption Academy.Dear Colleagues,I concluding,I would like tothank you for attendingand participatingin thisAnnual Conferenceand General Meeting. I am confidentthat the discussions and contributions bymembers and experts during over the nextfour days will enhance our understanding.We shall seek and, I am confident, findnew solutions to the difficult challengesfaces by anti-corruption authorities. Letthese be our road-map for the future.Finally, may I wish you an enjoyable stayin Malaysia and hope that I can meet andgreet many of you personally.Datuk Seri Abu Kassim MohamedChief CommissionerMalaysian Anti-Corruption Commission11