MACC under Parliament: Govt to study proposal implications - PM

 

The government will examine the implications of a proposal to place the MACC under Parliament’s purview, said Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said the strict conditions regarding the proposal must also be reviewed before any decision is made.

“That (placing MACC under Parliament) needs to be discussed... we need to examine the stringent conditions (before deciding),” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidiladha gathering hosted by his old friend Hamzah Mat Isa in Mengkuang Semarak today.

He also noted that the MACC now appears to be more “aggressive” compared to the past.

Anwar said although MACC is still under the Prime Minister’s Department, it is the responsibility of the agency to conduct investigations if there is misconduct, regardless of an individual’s status.

“Right now, it is important to investigate, have clear evidence and prosecute. Use technical arguments, don’t avoid the truth. Don’t fabricate, don’t oppress. If there is evidence, respond. If there are facts, respond. That is what matters,” he said.

Last Sunday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, when appearing as a guest on a podcast with a news publication, disagreed with the proposal to place the MACC under Parliament.

He said the MACC is the only agency monitored by five independent bodies, while Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption is monitored by four oversight bodies.

- Bernama