More muscle for MACC

KUALA LUMPUR- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) can be made stronger and more independent, through some amendments to the Federal Constitution.

The Special Committee on Corruption will be proposing some of these amendments which include:

>> giving the MACC chief commissioner security of tenure, like that of federal court judges; and

>> allowing the MACC to have its own service commission, akin to the police commission, to hire the right manpower for its work.

Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad told reporters today that these are among some recommendations it will be making in its annual report, which it hopes to table in Parliament by the end of the current session.

"At the moment, the appointment of the MACC chief commissioner is by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong based on the recommendations of the prime minister,... but (this means) he can be removed due to political pressure," he said.

"If his stature is like that of a judge, then you can't dismiss him at your whims and fancies, as a tribunal will be required in order to do so.

"It is not easy to dismiss a judge so we want him to have that sort of stature," Mohd Radzi told a press conference after the committee's meeting in Parliament today.

The committee is also proposing that a MACC service commission be set up to help with its human resource management.

The proposed service commission, Mohd Radzi said, will help improve the efficiency and capabilities of MACC as the anti-graft body requires talented and specialised people to carry out its investigative tasks.

"Since its inception in 2009, the MACC has had to get whatever manpower it requires from the Public Service Department, so it can be difficult," he said.

Mohd Radzi, who is also Kangar MP, added the proposed service commission will give MACC the power to hire the "right" people.

"This proposed commission will be answerable to this Special Committee, which answers to Parliament," said Mohd Radzi, adding that the appointment of the service commission is to be done by the King.

Meanwhile, he said the committee will also help create more awareness among the public on the MACC's role and powers through educational programmes with schools and non-governmental organisations.

-thesundaily