It hasn’t been an easy 32 years, says Mohd Shukri of MACC
Outgoing deputy chief commissioner says he once received a live bullet, suffered from a mysterious illness, was entrapped with drugs and even vilified.
PUTRAJAYA: Receiving a live bullet, suffering from a mysterious illness, being entrapped with drugs and vilified, were just some of the challenges Mohd Shukri Abdull had to contend with during his 32 years with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Despite trying to uphold his integrity, the outgoing deputy chief commissioner said he was nevertheless often times betrayed and slandered, and more or less suffered the same fate as outgoing MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed.
“We were MACC officers for 32 years, it is not easy. There are too many challenges and obstacles.
“I almost died being entrapped with drugs, my house was shot at, I had a mysterious illness for a month, I lost 9kg… I stayed awake for 14 days and 14 nights.
“I have been accused of trying to overthrow the government. So has Tan Sri (Abu Kassim), at the end of his tenure he is being accused of wanting to overthrow the government,” he said as he broke down in tears when addressing 1,000 MACC officers for the last time.
His speech was delivered at a farewell event organised by the anti-graft agency for himself, Abu Kassim as well as deputy chief commissioner for prevention, Mustafar Ali.
Mohd Shukri also touched on the police reports lodged against Abu Kassim for allegedly plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Najib Razak, and said the individual behind the report was “uneducated.”
“Individuals who make such statements against Tan Sri (Abu Kassim) are uneducated. They cannot distinguish between fighting corruption and loving the country,” he said.
He is believed to have been referring to Umno Youth Vice- Chief Khairul Azwan Harun, who made a police report against Abu Kassim, former Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akthar Aziz and former Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail for allegedly wanting to overthrow Najib.
In his speech, Mohd Shukri also issued a reminder to fellow officers as well as politicians to carry out their duty honestly as they would one day meet their Maker.
“To politicians, ministers and elected representatives, remember you are there because of the people, (so) serve with sincerity and integrity.
“Remember, one day, the people will be witnesses when we meet our Maker.
“At that point, positions will not have influence, no conspiracies, and no power will help you change the decision of our Maker,” he said.
He also reminded MACC officers that the commission was not a place for the fainthearted.
“This is not an easy job, there are many challenges and tests. Face them with wisdom and courage.
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“Carry out your duties well and without fear… Preserve MACC’s independence to battle corruption,” he said.