A former MACC senior officer has urged Putrajaya to park the agency under Parliament's purview amid increasing accusations that it is being used as a political tool.
The former MACC special operations director Bahri Mohamad Zin said the time has come for the anti-graft body to be "freed" from any influence.
"It is still not too late for Malaysia to empower the commission by setting it free from having to come under any government agency or entity.
"The best place to park MACC is under the Parliament, which can provide check and balance, ensure that MACC does not practice double standards, supervise its effectiveness and clear any negative perception.
"However, this can only be realised if all parties are willing to do it and want to see MACC function independently without fear or favour," he told Malaysiakini.
Bahri was one of the key figures in the MACC investigation against former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in the SRC International case.
He opted for early retirement in 2015 after being removed from the agency but returned three years later following a historic regime change.
Adding further, Bahri expressed his frustration over MACC being used as a punching bag by opposition politicians.
Despite having proven its efficiency and credibility by solving the SRC International case which led to Najib being found guilty and jailed, Bahri said the agency has always been accused of being unfair and selective.
Unfair accusations
Such perception continues to persist especially due to sentiments played by the opposition, who accused the agency of being biased, he added.
"All these accusations against MACC - that it is unfair, biased, and being ordered by country leaders to only target certain people - are untrue.
"However, this is also the result of MACC's own failure to explain the truth to the rakyat - that many cases they have built and backed by strong evidence could not be prosecuted... not because they are cowards or whatsoever, but the question is, can they press charges without receiving a green light from the deputy public prosecutor?” he said.
Bahri claimed that many cases investigated by the anti-graft agency did not go to court because the prosecutor's office did not agree to proceed with pressing charges.
"But has MACC explained this to the people? This is what has happened many times. Why was MACC unable to reveal this situation?
"Because MACC cannot speak on behalf of the prosecution office, which might have factors other than evidence in their decision making.
"This is the curse that MACC had to live with for many years. So, I hope that all MPs can consider giving MACC a spot in the Parliament, so it can answer all questions," Bahri added. - Mkini
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