MACC urged to set up clear procedures for handling case items

 

The Senate’s Special Select Committee on Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (TIA) called on the MACC to come up with procedures and protocols for the handling and storage of case items that would be more systematic and centralised.

This is to prevent case items from going missing again, as had happened in the corruption case concerning former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) director-general Hasanah Abdul Hamid in which RM25 million cash evidence had allegedly been misappropriated.

“This call was made to ensure the MACC can improve its credibility as a well-respected anti-graft agency,” said a statement issued by Dewan Negara Speaker Rais Yatim’s (above) office tonight.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki was also present at the TIA meeting today to clarify issues related to corruption as well as the latest anti-graft initiatives by the agency.

“All committee members were satisfied with the investigation and prosecution duties that are being carried out,” the statement read.

Parliament supervision, anti-graft court

The TIA also said the MACC should be placed under the supervision of Parliament, especially in terms of policy-making and refining the values of anti-corruption agencies.

“This proposal is one of the Parliament Transformation Strategy which was approved by the cabinet last month,” it added.

The TIA suggested that a special Anti-Corruption Court be formed at all levels from the Sessions Court to the Court of Appeal in order to expedite the resolution of the rising number of corruption cases.

The shortage of officers in both the MACC and the Attorney-General’s Chambers to carry out enforcement and prosecution duties was also an issue raised during the two-hour meeting.

As such, the TIA has decided to invite the Public Service director-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah in mid-July to discuss this matter.

Meanwhile, Rais’ office said the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat have agreed to create a joint anti-corruption committee, which will hopefully further enhance the monitoring system of anti-graft agencies. - Mkini