KUALA LUMPUR: The spate of arrests conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) of several people with important posts in the civil service proves that the anti-graft agency does not target only the “small fry”, says its Deputy Chief Commissioner Mohd Jamidan Abdullah.

He said any arrest or action by MACC was based on evidence obtained.

“MACC does not choose to catch the ‘small fry’ or the ‘shark.’

“If there is proof, action will be taken, regardless of who the person is and society cannot say that we do not take any action against the ‘big fish’,” he said when met after closing the Certified Integrity Officer programme here today.

He said this when asked about the arrests of several civil servants, including those with Datuk and Datuk Seri titles for corruption, power abuse and money laundering.

Mohd Jamidan said the MACC was always thorough and fair in its investigation of all cases.

He said the requirement for civil servants to declare their assets every five years was intended to prevent the misappropriation of funds, including power abuse and corruption.

“The property declared will be investigated by a committee at their respective departments, and not the MACC.”

On the selection of candidate for the post of director-general, especially of government-owned companies, he said it should be done carefully to ensure those appointed were eligible for the post.

“The person should have high integrity, discipline and always follow regulations,” he added.