Lawak Bodoh

(New Straits Times ) - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has directed its officers to gather more evidence into an allegation of abuse of power by the Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated (PMBK) over a purchase of six cakes valued about RM3,900.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Shukri Abdull said the commission had opened an investigation paper into the case recently but needed more information about the purchase.

"We have referred the IP back to the state MACC so that they can gather more information," he said yesterday.

He was commenting on the allegation on Sunday by Kelantan opposition leader Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad, who had called on the MACC to investigate PMBK for purchase of the cakes during the last Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

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Frankly, I don't know what to feel - happy, sad, angry, surprised or whatever.

Maybe I should feel happy because, the fact that the highest anti-corruption body in the country find it appropriate to get its Deputy Chief Commissioner (must be someone very important to carry that title) to announce that the august body has opened an investigation on the purchase of cakes for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It just shows that our beloved country is almost free of corruption so much so that its anti-corruption body need to investigate this otherwise inconsequent transaction. In fact it is in line with the previous investigations of money spent by an EXCO in Selangor (more than RM2,000) to buy flags for Merdeka Day celebrations. Another similar case involves the purchase of cows by the Selangor MB to give to the poor in conjunction with Hari Raya Korban.

[Sorry, did I hear someone say, corruption is still corruption even if the amount involved is small? That is why we should go after the small fry so as not to encourage them to become big sharks when they will become immune to prosecution]

Maybe I should feel sad because I also hear of major questionable transactions such as the commissions for the purchase of submarines, helicopters, flight training services, construction of MATRADE building, naval boats, PKFZ and so on and here we have the Anti Corruption Commission investigate a state government agency buying cakes for Hari Raya.

Maybe I should feel angry because they are taking us for fools. I think they expect us to applaud them for taking their anti-corruption jobs seriously.

Should I feel surprised? No. I stopped feeling surprised a long time ago. These people can take us for a ride, seemingly with our consent.

Whatever, I have no more faith in these people. I pray that Allah swt show us the true and straight path. Ameen.