“Any MP who offers, gives or receives bribes in any form from parties with vested interest for positions is committing an offence under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009.”

- Azam Baki, chief commissioner, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), quoted by Bernama on Feb 23 – at the height of the Sheraton move.

COMMENT | The above are prophetic, far-telling and visionary words indeed. At the time they were made, they came with a warning more than a qualifier: MACC is keeping a close watch on the current political developments in the country.

“So far, no such offences involving MPs had been committed but warned that MACC would be monitoring the situation closely,” said the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Azam Baki.

That was 100 days ago and the “close watch” must have resulted in ample information and intelligence on the matter concerning Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, which Azam so articulately quoted.

This perspective should never change but over the time period when the government changed, the context and meaning may have changed as well, resulting in...