Chow said he welcomed the investigation as Penang had practised the principles of good governance, competency, accountability and transparency since 2008.

Speaking to Penang RTM’s Mutiara FM radio yesterday, MACC chief Azam Baki said the anti-graft agency had received 919 complaints about civil servants in Penang accepting bribes, abusing their power and making false claims since 2019.

He said he had asked his officers to look into this.

In a statement today, Chow said no one was above the law, and civil servants, whether from federal, state or local authorities and agencies, found to be involved in accepting bribes, abuse of power and making false claims must be investigated and charged soonest possible.

“At the same time, the Penang government wants MACC to be transparent in revealing the number of cases brought to court and the number of civil servants found guilty,” he said.

He said such transparency was needed as he did not want the image of Penang civil servants and the state government tarnished.

Chow said the Penang government was ready to work with MACC to ensure that the officers involved in corrupt practices were dealt with severely.

In the interview, Azam also urged all department heads to monitor their officers who are given authority to make decisions.

According to Bernama, he said civil servants were MACC’s first target group for monitoring and investigation as they were tasked with administering the country.