Another cheap trick? Najib admits that MACC is ineffective and under BN control

I refer to Prime Minister Najib Razak's statement that in order to give more independence to the MACC, an Anti-Corruption Service Commission will be formed if BN wins two thirds majority in the coming general election.This statement is a disturbing and astounding admission by the PM that the MACC has been ineffective and that it is not independent.

It confirms the longstanding complaint of the political opposition and civil society that the MACC is subject to political directions and serious interference from Putrajaya. The Barisan Nasional government must take fullest responsibilty for the abject failure of the MACC, which is now finally admitted by the PM himself.

Lack of political will

Since independence, the UMNO and BN have systematically undermined and manipulated independent public services such as the police, judiciary, MACC and election commission. The forming of an Anti-Corruption Service Commission will be meaningless unless the BN stops interfering with independent public services such as the MACC for political reasons.

Going by their track record, it is clear that the BN does not have the political will or inclination to protect and strengthen the MACC and other important public services. It should be remembered that there exists a Police Services Commission under Article 140 Federal Constitution. But this has not prevented the BN from extensively undermining and politically interfering with the police force.

Another deceitful and cheap trick?

The MACC cannot become independent and truly effective unless the BN reform themselves, respect the Federal Constitution and stop political interference in constitutionally established public services.

As long as the ruling BN political coalition does not respect the rule of law, our public service institutions will remain ineffective, demoralised an subject to political whims of the ruling party.

The PM's announcement is just another deceitful and cheap trick to persuade the rakyat to vote for the BN and return it to power with a two thirds majority. A Pakatan Rakyat government will free all public services from political interference and uphold the rule of law.

N SURENDRAN is the VICE PRESIDENT OF PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT