PETALING JAYA: The government will study the implications of a proposal to place the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under Parliament’s jurisdiction.
“That (placing MACC under Parliament) needs to be discussed … we need to examine the conditions (before deciding),” Bernama reported Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as telling reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidiladha gathering in Bukit Mertajam.
“Right now, what is important is to investigate, have clear evidence and prosecute. That is crucial… Don’t avoid the truth. If there is evidence, respond; if there are facts, respond. That is what matters.”
Anwar said although the MACC is currently under the Prime Minister’s Department, it must conduct its investigations regardless of the status of a person. He also said the MACC appeared to be more “aggressive” compared with the past.
Last Sunday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, who appeared as a guest on a podcast, disagreed with a proposal to place the MACC under Parliament.
He said MACC was the only agency monitored by five independent bodies.
There have been numerous calls by civil society groups and activists for MACC to report to Parliament instead of the executive.
Anti-graft watchdog Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) had called for the establishment of a parliamentary select committee on corruption to nominate commissioners, ensuring MACC’s independence and integrity… Read More
