No matter how long a secret is kept, the truth will eventually come to light.

No matter how long a secret is kept, the truth will eventually come to light. Despite the cunning tactics of the cartel that 'plotted' to siphon off funds belonging to contributors and employers, this group ultimately faced justice when their activities were exposed and dismantled last week. Although many have congratulated and applauded the news, there are just as many who have been quick to point fingers, seeking someone or something to blame. The truth is, investigations by the Anti-Fraud, Ethics, and Integrity Division (AFEI) at the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) led to the arrest of over 34 individuals starting from 3rd September, who are believed to be part of this cartel network. Armed with intelligence, surveillance, and evidence handed over to the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC), this operation to apprehend these individuals was able to be executed swiftly, resulting in them being brought to justice.

Furthermore, PERKESO's proactive actions, rather than reactive responses as some may perceive, in dealing with cartel-led fraud in the northern Peninsular will not stop here. Other processes are ongoing concurrently to ensure that the pursuit continues, even if it takes us to the deepest corners. PERKESO's doors are wide open for the MACC to investigate thoroughly, scrutinising every member of PERKESO to ensure that there are no 'moles' within the organisation entrusted with managing these social security funds. In addition to allowing the MACC to exercise its authority, PERKESO is not sitting idly, instead this organisation is conducting its own internal investigation to ensure that no members are implicated in this cartel.

Since taking on the responsibility as PERKESO’s Manager of Medical and Rehabilitation Unit in 2001, there have been seven reforms and improvements made regarding disability management, including the functions of the Medical Board (JD), the Medical Appeal Board (JDR), and the Social Security Appellate Board (JRKS). Looking back at the progress, the first reform was initiated as early as 2002, with the Seminar on Disability and Impairment Assessment for PERKESO Medical Appellate Board Members successfully held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to standardise the methods for assessing and evaluating disabilities through the medical board sessions. Ultimately, the first guideline, the Guideline for the Assessment of Traumatic Injuries/Occupational

Diseases and Invalidity, was established as a reference in the disability assessment and evaluation process at PERKESO. To strengthen the check-and-balance mechanism, the Medical Board Decision Review Committee was also established to ensure that every decision from the assessments is free from any elements of manipulation and fraud.

This approach has proven effective, as the recent cartel activity in Seberang Jaya was the sixth such operation detected and dismantled, following others in the Klang Valley, Pahang, and Kedah between 2003 and 2021. In reality, PERKESO is aware that syndicates and cartels are always on the lookout for opportunities to manipulate the existing system to rob contributors' rights, as highlighted by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC).

However, the six core principles of the Error, Evasion and Fraud (EEF) guidelines by the International Social Security Association, which are considered the world's best practices and incorporated in PERKESO must be balanced with the need not to complicate the process of approving benefits claims for contributors. The principle that all benefits are considered valid until proven otherwise remains the foundation to ensure that aid is distributed as quickly as possible. We must not throw the baby out with the bathwater, as that would ultimately harm the very contributors who genuinely need PERKESO benefits, leaving them 'stranded,' waiting for help that never arrives. Perhaps to some, the true hardships of life have yet to be experienced until PERKESO benefits become the final lifeline when the family's breadwinner is lost in an accident, someone loses their job or becomes disabled due to a workplace disaster. Such legitimate cases should not be dismissed just because of a rotten apple in the bunch. PERKESO's priority remains intact, which is to protect the welfare of contributors and employers, despite always being a target for cartels or syndicates seeking to exploit the difficulties faced by those in need.

DATO’ SRI DR. MOHAMMED AZMAN AZIZ MOHAMMED

PERKESO GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

9 SEPTEMBER 2024