MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said this was due to demands especially from companies which were not prepared for the appropriate anti-corruption plan.

“In addition, they are also experiencing a business slump following Covid-19.

“They are asking for a period of approximately one year to re-establish their businesses before the implementation of Section 17A,” he told Bernama after being sworn in as the new chief commissioner of the anti-graft body at Istana Negara today.

Azam said he was concerned about the fate of the companies involved and would take into account the views of relevant parties before deciding.

“I give my assurance that this proposal will be considered in the best possible manner although we are fully prepared to implement Section 17A,” he said.

Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009 was passed in Parliament on April 5, 2018, allowing companies to be charged for corrupt practices.

Before the provision came into force, the Act focused only on the prosecution of only individuals involved in corruption.

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