KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has stopped using its orange-coloured lock-up uniform for persons under investigation (OKS) during court remand proceedings, saying the move is aimed at protecting their dignity and upholding the presumption of innocence.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said those brought before the court for remand were still at the investigation stage and had not been found guilty of any offence.
He said the decision was part of MACC’s commitment to ensuring enforcement remained firm while respecting the principles of justice.
“Among other things, this measure aims to avoid negative perceptions towards individuals who are still at the investigation stage and have not been found guilty by the court,” he told Scoop during an interview at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today.
Halim said the move reflected MACC’s second leadership pillar, namely fair and equitable enforcement, which requires every action taken by the agency to be based on the law, evidence and principles of justice.
He said MACC’s credibility depended on public confidence that its powers were exercised professionally, transparently and fairly, without fear, favouritism or influence from particular interests.
“Every action taken by MACC must be based on the law, evidence and principles of justice, without fear, favouritism or influence from particular interests,” he said.
Halim said firm action against corruption should not come at the expense of the rights and dignity of individuals under investigation.
“For MACC, firm enforcement does not mean that we disregard the principles of justice,” he said.
“We can be firm against corruption while at the same time respecting the rights, dignity and principles of justice of every individual facing an investigation. That is the true meaning of fair and equitable enforcement,” he said.
He said the principle extended beyond the handling of OKS and applied to MACC’s wider approach to enforcement.
Halim said officers must understand that every action taken during an investigation could affect public perceptions of both the individual involved and the institution itself.
“This is particularly important because a person under investigation has not yet been convicted and should not be treated as though guilt has already been established,” he said.
He said the decision was also consistent with MACC’s broader efforts to strengthen integrity within the organisation and ensure its enforcement practices reflected the standards it expected from others.
“Integrity is the main bulwark in the fight against corruption. It cannot be compromised for any reason, whether in making decisions, conducting investigations or carrying out daily responsibilities,” he said.
Halim said MACC’s approach was to strike a balance between taking decisive action against corruption and protecting the rights of individuals throughout the investigative process.
“We want investigations to be fast, but not rushed. Firm, but still fair and efficient, without compromising integrity,” he said.
He said maintaining public trust ultimately depended on MACC demonstrating that it could enforce the law firmly while remaining professional, accountable and respectful of the principles of justice.
The agency, he added, wanted its enforcement actions to strengthen rather than weaken public confidence in MACC and the country’s institutions. – October 1, 2026