Article Search by : Audit Dalam Website Committee

 

The word "rasuah" (corruption) originates from the Arabic word ‘risywah’, which means bribe or persuasion. Generally, corruption is understood as the act of giving or receiving bribes with the intention of influencing someone to perform an act related to their official duties.

 

Although often associated with offering and giving bribes, the offence of corruption under the law is broader in scope.

 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act 2009) stipulates the acts that constitute corruption offences. It also lists the types of bribes, such as money, gifts, discounts, bonuses, loans, services, and others.

 

Why G.R.A.F.t?

The term ‘graft’ carries its own meaning. "Graft" is an English word for corruption. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘graft’ as “the act of getting money or advantage through the dishonest use of political power and influence”.

 

The G.R.A.F.t formula can help the public or anyone to recognize and remember the main corruption offences as outlined in the MACC Act 2009.

G.R.A.F.t refers to Give bribe, Receive bribe, Abuse of power, False claim and Abet. Further explanations are as follows:

 

1. Give bribe

This refers to the offence of offering and giving bribes as outlined in Sections 16(b)(A), 16(b)(B), and 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009. The offence occurs when someone offers or gives a bribe to gain something through improper means.

 

Most offenders are from the private sector or the general public. Examples: A member of the public offering a bribe to enforcement officers to avoid legal action, A company giving a bribe to a procurement officer to secure a project and A supplier offering a bribe to a finance officer to expedite payment claims.

 

Although rare, this offence can also involve public servants. For example, following ‘Ops Counter Setting’ in September 2024, several Immigration Department enforcement officers were charged in court for corruption.

 

One officer was charged with offering RM2,000 to another officer as a bribe to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals at KLIA2. He was brought to court on January 3, 2025.

 

2. Receive bribe

This refers to the offence of soliciting and receiving bribes, as stated under Sections 16(a)(A), 16(a)(B), and 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009. The offence occurs when someone asks for or receives a bribe as a reward for doing something improper or against the rules. Public servants in enforcement, procurement, and licensing are especially at risk due to their position and opportunities to receive bribes. This offence also occurs in the private sector, NGOs, or any individual. Bribes come in various forms.

A notable case involved a journalist, who was charged in court on March 14, 2025, for accepting a RM20,000 bribe from a Pakistani citizen on February 28, 2025, in exchange for removing and not publishing an article about a foreign worker syndicate.

 

3. Abuse of power

This refers to using one’s public position to gain a bribe, under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. It is also known as abuse of power by a public officer.

As the name implies, this offence applies only to public officers, meaning anyone serving in government agencies, organisations, or government-owned companies.

The offence occurs when a public officer makes a decision or takes action that benefits themselves or their family.

A simple illustration: a government officer selects or recommends a company owned by their family for a project award.

A real case occurred on August 18, 2024, when a Senior Assistant Fire Superintendent was sentenced to three years in prison and fined RM172,000 after being found guilty on three counts of abuse of power. He recommended companies owned by his mother-in-law and brother-in-law for:

Supplying 60 antennas and 30 charger parts (RM8,100), Supplying 31 compasses (RM7,440), Supplying 10 safety jackets and 20 wet suits (RM17,000).

Public officers must be cautious. If a family member joins a tender in your organisation, you must. Declare your interest and relationship.Not be involved in any selection or decision-making process.

 

4. False claim

This refers to submitting false claims as outlined in Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. The offence occurs when someone submits a document containing false information to any office (government or private) for personal gain. In short, it happens when the claimed goods, work, or services differ from the actual delivery. This includes, not delivered at all, Delivered in lesser quantity, Not matching the specifications in the claim document.

 

A real case occurred on July 6, 2023, where a former Finance Division Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined RM284.2 million after being convicted of 15 charges of abuse of power, 17 charges of false claims, and 64 charges of money laundering.

 

For the false claims, he colluded with three contractors to deceive the National Sports Council using fake instruction letters. No actual work or supply was done. The total amount involved in the false claims was RM36.3 million.

 

5. Abet

This refers to the act of abetting any of the four offences above: giving bribes, receiving bribes, submitting false claims, and abusing power.

 

This offence is covered under Section 28(1)(c) of the MACC Act 2009. Abetment includes assisting, preparing, instigating, conspiring, or participating in corrupt activities, either directly or indirectly.

 

Conclusion

Becoming a person of integrity—or falling into corruption—is a matter of personal choice. Regardless of MACC’s efforts in enforcement, prevention, or education, it is the individual's awareness and conscience that ultimately prevent involvement in corruption.

 

It’s not enough to simply understand corruption offences. One must also practice honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for others’ rights.

 

The G.R.A.F.t formula is educational in nature. For those who are truly committed to rejecting corruption, it serves as a guide.

 

It’s better to learn before it’s too late. “Not knowing” that something is an offence is not an acceptable excuse if caught by the MACC.

 

If you believe our country has a serious corruption problem, you have a role to play in making it better. The solution is simple: avoid all forms of corruption!

 

As Malaysians who dream of a corruption-free nation, report any corrupt acts to the MACC. The excuse of “not wanting to interfere in others’ matters” will not help reduce corruption. Talking without action is like an empty can—it makes noise but achieves nothing. So, take action!

 

Source from :

kolumnis@sprm

Author :

Mohamad Tarmize bin Abdul Manaf
Pengarah Bahagian Pemantauan dan Penyelarasan 
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM)

Date of Input: 30/05/2025 | Updated: 30/05/2025 | faiz_suparman