'Our Strength Lies In The Truth': EAIC Chief Explains Why The Commission Matters

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The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) may not be a household name among Malaysians, but its investigations have quietly shaped accountability across the country’s enforcement agencies.

Established 25 years ago, the independent oversight body is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct, abuse of power and integrity breaches involving enforcement personnel.

Although it does not have prosecutorial or disciplinary powers, its investigations have led to significant institutional reforms and action against public officers.

Among its most notable cases was the investigation into the “flying passport” bribery syndicate at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which uncovered widespread corruption involving immigration counter operations and ultimately resulted in the dismissal of 20 Immigration Department officers.

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Despite such successes, the commission is often perceived as lacking enforcement powers because it can only recommend disciplinary or criminal action.

EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar, however, believes that perception overlooks the commission’s true strength.

Ismail said the EAIC’s mandate is to independently establish the facts without fear or favour, while the responsibility to impose disciplinary action or prosecute offenders rests with other institutions.

“The power to punish remains with the respective Service Commissions, while prosecutorial authority for criminal offences lies with the Attorney General.

“However, our ‘teeth’ lie in the strength of our investigative evidence. When EAIC submits a comprehensive and well-substantiated investigation paper, it provides the receiving agencies and the Attorney General’s Chambers with a solid foundation to pursue disciplinary or criminal action.

“We investigate to uncover the truth, not to act as judge, jury and executioner all at once,” he said in a reply to TRP.

EAIC sees through every recommendation made

Ismail stressed that the commission’s work does not end once an investigation is completed.

He said agencies that choose to reject or delay implementing EAIC’s disciplinary recommendations are legally required to provide a written explanation to the commission.

Should the EAIC detect unnecessary delays or attempts to shield officers from accountability, Ismail said the commission would escalate the matter to the Chief Secretary to the Government. It could also publicly disclose compliance levels through its annual report to Parliament or, where necessary, release its findings to the media to ensure transparency and public accountability.

While acknowledging manpower constraints, Ismail said the commission has continued to deliver strong results through better case management and prioritisation.

He said the EAIC achieved a 100 per cent complaint resolution rate in 2024, followed by a 97.6 per cent resolution rate in 2025.

Looking ahead, Ismail said the commission would focus on strengthening its digital infrastructure, equipping investigators with advanced skills to tackle increasingly sophisticated misconduct syndicates, and streamlining operational processes to enable agencies to act more swiftly on its recommendations.

“We are building an oversight body that is lean, agile and highly effective.”

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