PM: More bite for MACC, only if BN gets two-thirds

Fellow Malaysians, Vote out BN with even a simple majority, the whole MACC will be revamped. The BN is holding the people to ransom again - 1Christians

In view of a looming general election, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today offered an election promise that should BN regain a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the next general election, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be given more independence.

An Anti-Corruption Service Commission, as suggested by the MACC advisory board, will be established to enable the anti-graft watchdog to have full control over its officials, including the power to appoint and sack them, he said.

“I agreed with the view of the MACC advisory board that to reflect to independence of MACC, an Anti-Corruption Service Commission should be created. This commission will be given the power to appoint and sack MACC staff.

“But this issue needs a constitutional amendment. God willing if BN is given a two-thirds mandate in the coming 13th general election, the constitutional amendment will be carried out and this service commission will be formed,” said Najib while officiating the Certified Integrity Officer Programme at Putrajaya today.

Draft bills may be made public

Elaborating, he said the commission will enjoy the same authority given to the current Police Commission and Education Commission, including the power to filter, choose, interview, appoint and sack their own staff, to ensure MACC has the specific talents to perform its duties.

"If it can be implemented, it will easier and more efficient for professionals who want to serve for MACC to do so," he added.

Currently MACC’s human resources is under the purview of the Public Services Commission, the same as all other government agencies.

Among other matters being considered by the government, Najib said, was the status of the MACC chief commissioner, which may be upgraded to a post stipulated in the constitution such as the posts of attorney-general, auditor-general and judges, to ensure independence and transparency.

Apart from giving more teeth for MACC, Najib also announced that the government, in line with the principle of transparency and public participation, is mulling to publish all draft bills on ministerial websites for public scrutiny and feedback before they are tabled in the Parliament.

"This will eliminate the public and international perception that there is law which only takes account into the interest of certain quarters," he added.